Hoeata banned for two weeks

Wellington - Chiefs back rower Jarrad Hoeata has been suspended for two weeks for punching an opponent during Saturday's Super 14 rugby match against the Bulls at Hamilton.

Hoeata appeared on Monday before Super 14 judicial officer Peter Hobbs, charged with punching Bulls lock Flip van der Merwe in the 70th minute of the match, won 33-19 by the Bulls.

He admitted the offence but said he had been reacting to an incident earlier in the match. Hobbs found the charge was proven and suspended Hoeata to April 26, ruling him out of the Chiefs next two matches against the Stormers and Cheetahs.