The Folloling from SANZAR: Chiefs loose forward Jarrad Hoeata has been cited after allegedly striking a Bulls player during their Super 14 match at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton last night, Friday 9 April 2010.

Hoeata was cited by SANZAR Citing Commissioner Mike O’Leary for allegedly punching Bulls lock Flip van der Merwe in about the 70th minute of the match.  The Bulls won the match 33 – 19.

The Chiefs reserve will appear at a SANZAR Judicial Hearing before Judicial Officer Peter Hobbs at 4pm (New Zealand time) on Monday, 12 April 2010, at the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) headquarters in Wellington.

Outcome of judicial hearing:

Chiefs loose forward Jarrad Hoeata has been suspended for two weeks for striking a player in their Super 14 match against the Bulls at Waikato Stadium on Friday, 9 April 2010.

Hoeata appeared before Judicial Officer Peter Hobbs at the NZRU offices in Wellington today after being cited for punching Bulls lock Flip van der Merwe in about the 70th minute of the match.  The Bulls won the match 33 – 19.

At the outset of the hearing Hoeata accepted the allegation in the Citing Commissioner’s report but said the foul play had been an immediate reaction to an earlier incident on the field.

After considering all the evidence and submissions made on behalf of Hoeata, Mr Hobbs handed down the two-week suspension which took into account Hoeata’s early admission, and the earlier on-field incident.

Hoeata has been suspended from today until Monday, 26 April 2010 meaning he will be unavailable for selection for the Chiefs’ next two games against the Stormers and the Cheetahs respectively.