Wellington, Sept 29 NZPA - Counties-Manukau loose forward Fritz Lee has been suspended for three weeks for a dangerous high tackle on Northland halfback Luke Hamilton during a national provincial championship rugby match.

Lee was sent off for the tackle at Pukekohe on Sunday when Counties-Manukau won the match 40-24.

The ban was imposed after he appeared before New Zealand Rugby Union judicial officer Peter Hobbs in Wellington today.

Hobbs said that while there was no pre-meditation on Lee's part, the tackle was reckless and exposed Hamilton to the risk of serious injury.

Hobbs said Lee accepted culpability from the outset, was remorseful and he acknowledged he had let himself and his team down.

Lee will be available to make his return for Counties-Manukau against Hawke's Bay on October 24.

NZPA WGT md