Nonu banned for three weeks

New Zealand international centre Ma'a Nonu was banned on Sunday for three weeks after being red carded in a Super 15 match this weekend, a statement said.

The 31-year-old Otago Highlanders star was sent off during the second half for a tip tackle on Canterbury Crusaders back Tom Marshall during a New Zealand derby in Dunedin.

Judicial officer Jannie Lubbe said in his case summary that Nonu accepted the tackle was poorly executed, and his guilty plea and remorse led to the standard ban period being reduced by one week.

The suspension rules Nonu out of Highlanders' remaining two fixtures this season -- away to Wellington Hurricanes of New Zealand on July 6 and to Melbourne Rebels of Australia six days later.

Highlanders are bottom of the table with only two victories and 12 losses, but could climb three places if they achieve two bonus-point wins and other results go in their favour.

Nonu started in all three Test victories against France this month and played for Hurricanes and Auckland Blues in Super Rugby before moving to Highlanders this season.

AFP