Liam Squire

Squire had been cited for striking with his shoulder in the Highlanders win over the Hurricanes on Friday night.

The Highlanders flanker had been cited for leading with his shoulder when clearing out TJ Perenara from a ruck but the committee decided the Wellington Hurricanes scrumhalf had dropped to his knees just before impact.

The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee dismissed the citing and Squire has been cleared of all charges.

In his finding, Foul Play Review Committee Chairman Nigel Hampton QC ruled the following:

The unbeaten Southerners will be without All Black loose forward Liam Squire for up to six weeks because of injury.

Squire broke the thumb in his right hand during last night's 25-17 over the Crusaders in Dunedin.

The injury occurred in the first half and Squire was replaced by Elliot Dixon just before halftime.

A Highlanders statement said Squire, who has played 15 tests, will be side-lined for up to 6 weeks.

That will result in him missing games against the Hurricanes, Chiefs, Brumbies, Blues and Bulls.