Lengthy ban for Bulls prop after bite

A SANZAAR Judicial Committee Hearing has found Schoeman guilty of contravening Law 9.12 – A Player must not physically abuse anyone. Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to Biting, after he was cited during the Super Rugby match

The incident occurred in the 58th minute of the match at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

The SANZAAR Judicial Hearing held via video conference on Tuesday was heard by the Judicial Committee of Adam Casselden, Eroni Clarke and De Wet Barry.

In his finding, the Judicial Committee Chairman Adam Casselden ruled the following:

"Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Attie Heyns, the Judicial Committee accepted the player's guilty plea and upheld the citing under Law 9.12 – A Player must not physically abuse anyone. Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to Biting. 

"With respect to sanction the Judicial Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a low-end entry point of 12 weeks. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the player's early guilty plea, his good character, his good disciplinary record and his remorse the Judicial Committee reduced the suspension to a period of six weeks."