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SYDNEY, Australia — The captain of Australia’s women’s rugby team has been banned for six weeks after admitting biting an opponent on the arm during a domestic match.

New Zealand-born Liz Patu faced a 12-week suspension for biting Rebecca Clough during a Super W match between Queensland and Rugby WA on Saturday. Clough alerted the referee to the incident in the 70th minute, pointing to a bite mark on her arm. Patu and Clough are teammates and leaders for Australia’s Wallaroos but were on opposing teams in the Super W game.

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The judicial panel allowed Patu the full 50 per cent dispensation allowed under World Rugby rules, citing mitigating factors including her previous good character and clean disciplinary record.

Patu is the first player to be suspended in the Super W competition, which was founded last year.

The 29-year-old front-row forward later apologized for her action.

“I’d like to express my remorse for my actions in Saturday’s match,” she said. “I apologize to Rebecca Clough, the Rugby WA Women’s team, my own teammates and the wider rugby public.”