Ruan Botha suspended for 3 weeks

Sharks lock Ruan Botha has been suspended for three matches following a disciplinary hearing after he contravened Law 10.4 (h) in the match between South Africa ‘A’ and the French Barbarians at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Friday evening.

Botha was red-carded for the incident in the 39^th minute of the match, in which he “charged into ruck dangerously, leading with the arm and shoulder making contact with the opponent’s face.”

The Player admitted foul play and agreed that the issue of a red card was appropriate.

Judicial Officer, Mike Hamlin of England, ruled the transgression to be in the mid-range of seriousness, which carries a six-week suspension. However, because of Botha’s good disciplinary record and other mitigating factors, the sanction was reduced by three weeks.

Taking into consideration that the Sharks have a bye on the weekend of 8/9 July, Botha is free to play again on 24 July, meaning he will miss three matches for his franchise.