Auckland player Watisoni Lotawa has been suspended for one week for striking an opponent with his elbow in the Air New Zealand Cup match between Auckland and Manawatu at Eden Park, Auckland on Saturday 23 August.

Lotawa appeared before NZRU Judicial Officer Peter Hobbs today after being cited by Citing Commissioner Jim Meates for striking Manawatu player Francisco Bosch in the 64th minute of the match.

Lotawa was represented by Auckland team manager Gary Peach and Counsel Stephen Cottrell.

At the hearing, Mr Hobbs viewed video footage of the incident and received reports from the three match officials, who did not see the incident.

Mr Hobbs also heard evidence from Lotawa and submissions from Mr Cottrell.

At the hearing, Lotawa denied that there had been an act of foul play or that he had been reckless. Lotawa could not explain why he raised his arm and was not conscious that he had done so. He did, however, accept that his elbow had made contact with the Manawatu player’s head but that it was not intentional or deliberate.

Taking all evidence into account and submissions by Counsel, Mr Hobbs determined that Lotawa had struck the Manawatu player in his head with his elbow and that his actions were reckless and the citing was accordingly upheld.

In the circumstances, Mr Hobbs decided that the appropriate penalty in this case was a suspension of one week. As a result, Lotawa has been suspended from all rugby up to and including 3 September 2008.

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