Rugby: Chance Peni suspended for five weeks for Israel Dagg foul play

Israel Dagg of the Crusaders is taken from the field. Photo /Getty

Chance Peni, the Brumbies wing who injured Crusader Israel Dagg with a high tackle last weekend, has been suspended for five weeks.

Peni was only sinbinned by referee Jaco Peyper despite the high shot, which connected with Dagg's jaw, causing a head injury, and re-injured Dagg's right knee.

But Sanzaar cited Peni after the Crusaders' 21-8 victory in Canberra and the judicial committee found he had previous form for foul play.

Foul play review committee chairman Nigel Hampton QC said in a statement today: "With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks. The player has received two previous periods of suspension for similar incidents in the preceding 12 months, and the Foul Play Review Committee added a further week to the sanction for that aggravating factor. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the Player's remorse shown on field and his pleading guilty at the first available opportunity, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to 5 weeks."

"The player is therefore suspended for 5 weeks, up to and including the 17 June 2018."

Dagg, only one Super Rugby game back from a knee injured suffered while playing for the All Blacks last September, was not due to play for the Crusaders against the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday as he and his wife Daisy are expecting their second child.

But he now faces an extended spell on the sidelines after aggravating his knee injury in Peni's tackle. Dagg's right leg was trapped under his body during the act of foul play.