Auckland - Counties-Manukau loose forward Fritz Lee has been suspended for three weeks for a dangerous high tackle on Northland scrumhalf Luke Hamilton during an ITM Cup match last weekend.
VIDEO: Fritz Lee's near decapitation of Luke Hamilton
Lee was shown a red card for the tackle at Pukekohe on Sunday.
Counties-Manukau won the match 40-24.
The ban was imposed after Lee appeared before New Zealand Rugby Union judicial officer Peter Hobbs in Wellington on Wednesday.
Hobbs said that while there was no pre-meditation on Lee's part, the tackle was reckless and exposed Hamilton to the risk of serious injury.
Hobbs said Lee accepted culpability from the outset, was remorseful and he acknowledged he had let himself and his team down.
VIDEO: Fritz Lee's near decapitation of Luke Hamilton
Lee was shown a red card for the tackle at Pukekohe on Sunday.
Counties-Manukau won the match 40-24.
The ban was imposed after Lee appeared before New Zealand Rugby Union judicial officer Peter Hobbs in Wellington on Wednesday.
Hobbs said that while there was no pre-meditation on Lee's part, the tackle was reckless and exposed Hamilton to the risk of serious injury.
Hobbs said Lee accepted culpability from the outset, was remorseful and he acknowledged he had let himself and his team down.