Western Force and former All Blacks halfback Alby Mathewson has been suspended for one week after pleading guilty to stamping during his team's 18-15 upset win over the Chiefs in the latest round of Super Rugby.



Mathewson, who previously played for the Hurricanes and Blues, will miss no matches because the one-week ban will apply to next week's seventh round in which the Force have a bye. He will be free to return for their next scheduled match against the Queensland Reds on April 5.



Judicial officer Adam Casselden said the "entry point" for a stamping offence was a two-week suspension but "based on the acceptance of the indicated sanction, the player's excellent disciplinary and playing record and in recognition of his early plea" a shorter ban was imposed.