Ardie Savea handed four-week ban

Hurricanes flanker Ardie Savea will miss the opening four weeks of the Super Rugby season after being handed a suspension for a challenge on Chiefs half-back Augustine Pulu.

The 19-year-old was cited for a lifting tackle on Pulu during the warm-up clash, with judicial office Nigel Hampton QC confirming the sentence.

"The player has acknowledged the tackle was poorly executed and I have considered his early admission of fault as being in his favour," Hampton said in a statement.

"I deem the tackle to be in the mid-range of seriousness. Taking into account all the mitigating factors, and this young man's impressive character and conduct through this process, I have decided a sanction of no less than four weeks is appropriate."

Savea will be available for selection from March 17.