Ioane outed for four matches

Updated March 20, 2012 16:50:29

Queensland winger Digby Ioane has been suspended for four matches for a lifting tackle on Sharks flanker Marcell Coetzee.

The incident occurred during the Reds' 27-22 loss to the Sharks in Durban last Sunday morning (AEST).

Two previous disciplinary matters relating to dangerous tackles in 2008 counted against Ioane, who will be sidelined until the Reds' round nine match with the Blues in Auckland on the ANZAC Day weekend.

He would have missed five matches, but the Reds have a bye in round eight.

The Wallabies star's suspension deepens the Reds' backline crisis ahead of this weekend's showdown with the Bulls in Pretoria.

Inside backs Ben Lucas and Mike Harris have returned home from South Africa because of hamstring injuries, the pair joining Quade Cooper (knee) on the sidelines and depriving the Reds of a recognised goalkicker.

Joel Rapana and Nathan Eyres-Brown have joined the Reds squad in South Africa.

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, super-rugby, south-africa, brisbane-4000

First posted March 20, 2012 16:50:29

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Vuna banned for two matches

Updated April 01, 2012 09:03:10

Melbourne Rebels winger Cooper Vuna will miss two matches after being suspended for a dangerous tackle.

Vuna pleaded guilty to the charge that resulted from his tackle on Highlanders' winger Kade Poki in the Rebels' 43-12 loss in Invercargill on Friday night.

The former Tonga rugby league international will miss the Rebels' upcoming encounters against the Blues and Brumbies.

Rebels centre Lloyd Johansson was cleared of a similar charge, having been sin-binned during the match for a tackle on Highlanders flanker James Haskell.

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, melbourne-3000

First posted April 01, 2012 09:03:10

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International Rugby League Matches of Note - 1900-1950