Sio Tomkinson leaves the field after being yellow carded on Saturday. Photo: Getty Images

The Highlanders will be without Sio Tomkinson for the next three weeks.

The hard-hitting back was given a three-week suspension this morning, following a tackle in which he made contact with the head against the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.

Tomkinson, who was yellow carded at the time, pleaded guilty to the incident.

Foul Play Review Committee Chairman Adam Casselden SC said that early plea had helped reduce the suspension from six weeks to three.

"Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Aaron Lloyd, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the citing under Law 9.13.

"With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of six weeks due to the World Rugby instructions that dictate any incident of foul play involving contact with the head must start at a mid-range level.

"However, taking into account mitigating factors including the player's clean judicial record and the fact the player has pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to three weeks."

The Highlanders play the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday and will name their team tomorrow.