Quins Bok slapped with a foul-play ban
DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: One-time Springbok Stephan Lewies has been slapped with a two-match ban for foul play, after he captained Harlequins to a 24-42 loss to London Irish in a Premiership match at the weekend.
Lewies was red-carded for a dangerous challenge to the head of opposition No.8 Chandler Cunningham-South in the 21st minute and the Exiles took full advantage with a bonus-point victory to leave them just one point behind Quins in the Premiership table.
His red card, along with a yellow card for combative prop Joe Marler, saw Harlequins’ miserable league run continue with their fourth straight Premiership defeat.
Lewies, 31, played his solitary Test for the Boks when he came off the bench in the 55-6 win over Scotland in Port Elizabeth in June.
The case against Lewies was dealt with on papers by a disciplinary panel chaired by Ian Unsworth – sitting with Alastair Campbell and Mitch Read.
Lewies was cited for dangerous play in a ruck or maul contrary to World Rugby Law 9.20(b).
“The player accepted the charge and received a two-week ban,” a Rugby Football Union statement said.
“If the player successfully completes the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme, he will not have to serve the second game of his ban and will be available for the fixture against Exeter on March 4.”
Lewies will miss the following games:
* Against Gloucester on February 17
* Against Exeter on March 4 (subject to completing CIP)
