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Stormers reject proposed JJ Kotze ban after red card

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 17: JJ Kotze of the DHL Stormers in action during the Investec Champions Cup match between DHL Stormers and Bristol Bears at DHL Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)

DISCIPLINARY: Stormers hooker JJ Kotze has been handed a proposed three-week suspension following his red card against Bristol Bears in the opening round of the Investec Champions Cup at DHL Stadium on Saturday, October 17.

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The incident was reviewed by a Foul Play Review Committee, which considered the official report, video footage and submissions from the player and his club before recommending the ban. However, the Stormers have rejected the sanction, with a disciplinary hearing scheduled for Wednesday, October 21.

Kotze was sent off just beyond the half-hour mark for a dangerous tackle while defending the Stormers’ line. His dismissal left the Cape side with 14 players for 20 minutes, before wing Leolin Zas was also shown a yellow card for a high tackle early in the second half.

*Continues below…

 

The Stormers were forced to manage the game with 13 players, allowing Bristol to reduce a 7-21deficit to 12-21. Jonathan Roche subsequently scored a try after capitalising on a Bristol mistake near the touchline to help restore the hosts’ advantage.

The hearing will take place by video conference, with Daniel Gore of England chairing the independent Disciplinary Committee alongside Romania’s Bogdan Zebega and Wales’ Chris Morgan. The case falls under World Rugby Law 9.13, which prohibits dangerous tackles and carries sanctions ranging from two weeks for low-end offences to 10–52 weeks for top-end offences.

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Meanwhile, Stade Toulousain prop Rodrigue Neti has accepted a three-week suspension after being sent off against Exeter Chiefs on Sunday for a dangerous tackle on Ross Vintcent. Neti is eligible to return on November 9 but could be available from November 2 if he successfully completes World Rugby’s Coaching intervention programme.

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