Highlanders forward Sean Withy has accepted a three-week suspension after the Super Rugby Pacific Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) has found him guilty of reckless or dangerous play in contravention of Law 9.11.
The incident, for which Withy received a red card after his knee made contact with the head of Western Force winger Harry Potter, occurred in the 48th minute of the match between the Force and Highlanders at HBF Park on 5 April 2025.
The FPRC determined the mid-range entry point of six weeks/matches was appropriate for the incident. In light of the player accepting he committed an act of foul play as well as mitigating factors such as his prior disciplinary record, the FPRC applied the full 50 per cent reduction in sanction.
*Withy was also given permission to apply to take part in World Rugby's Coaching Intervention Programme as a substitute for the final match of the sanction.
Withy has been suspended from all forms of the game for three weeks, which will apply to the following Super Rugby Pacific matches:
- Highlanders v Fijian Drua, Saturday 12 April 2025
- Chiefs v Highlanders, Saturday 19 April 2025
- Highlanders v Crusaders, Saturday 26 April 2025*
