Bok gets four-week ban for elbow strike
DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Harlequins have suffered a massive blow ahead of their European Cup Round One encounter with Munster in Limerick on Sunday.
Quins’ giant Springbok Andre Esterhuizen and Stuart Townsend of Exeter Chiefs both appeared before an online disciplinary panel.
Esterhuizen was shown a red card by referee Ian Tempest in the 45th minute of the match between Gloucester and Harlequins last Sunday, December 6.
This was for a striking with the elbow, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.12.
The player accepted the charge and was given a four-week suspension by the panel – comprising Daniel White (Chairman), Matthew Weaver and Mitch Read.
He is free to play again on January 5.
Esterhuizen will miss the following matches during his four week suspension:
* v Munster, Sunday, December 13 (A)
* v Racing 92, Sunday, December 20 (H)
* v Bristol, Saturday, December 26 (H)
* v Worcester, Friday, January 1 (A)
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Townsend was cited by independent citing commissioner Chris Sharp following the match between Leicester Tigers and Exeter Chiefs last Saturday, December 5.
This was for dangerous play in a ruck or maul, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.20a.
The player accepted the charge and was given a five-week suspension by the independent panel.
He is free to play again on 12 January 2021.
Townsend will miss the following matches during his five-week suspension:
* v Glasgow, Sunday, December 13 (H)
* v Toulouse, Sunday, December 20 (A)
* v Gloucester, Saturday, December 26 (H)
* v Wasps, Saturday, January 2 (A)
* v Bristol, Saturday, January 9 (H)
