BREAKING: Andre Esterhuizen handed FOUR match ban
Springbok centre Andre Esterhuizen has been banned for four matches after being red-carded in the Test against Portugal in Bloemfontein.
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Springbok centre Andre Esterhuizen has been banned for four matches after being red-carded for a head-high tackle in the historic Test against Portugal in Bloemfontein last Saturday.
QUESTION | WATCH: Is this tackle worthy of a red card?
The 30-year-old midfielder was initially issued with a yellow card by Scottish referee Hollie Davidson for head-on-head contact with opposite number Jose Lima at the Free State Stadium.
Esterhuizen’s yellow card was the upgraded to red after a TMO bunker review.
The incident occurred as early as the third minute of the match.
The Springboks went on to win the match 64-21.
A World Rugby disciplinary committee hearing, which was chaired by Matthew Weaver (England) and included former player Jamie Corsi (Wales) and former international referee Valeriu Toma (Romania), ruled that Esterhuizen’s offence warranted a mid-range entry point, meriting a six-match ban.
However, considering mitigating factors, the suspension was reduced to four matches.
Andre Esterhuizen’s ban could be reduced
This ban could be further reduced to three matches if Esterhuizen completes the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme.
The Springbok world champion accepted the foul play charge and its severity, and has 48 hours to appeal the decision.
Consequently, he was been excluded from Springbok squad announced on Tuesday by coach Rassie Erasmus for this year’s Rugby Championship.
As it result, Esterhuizen, who returned to the Durban-based Sharks from English club Harlequins this season, is unavailable for the Currie Cup matches against the Lions (Saturday, 27 July), Pumas (Saturday, 3 August), Griquas (Sunday, 11 August) and Cheetahs (Saturday, 17 August).
Thoughts on World Rugby’s decision: Fair, harsh?
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