Sharks captain cops lengthy ban

The 26-year-old lock was one of three players shown a red card in week 15, joining Stormers wing Raymond Rhule and Brumbies hooker Folau Fainga’a.

Botha has been suspended from all forms of the game for four weeks, up to and including June 23, 2018. Botha pleaded guilty to contravening Law 9.12: Striking with hand or arm.

With the Sharks not playing during the June international break, Botha is set to miss no matches before the Sharks resume their campaign against the Lions on June 30 

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The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee of Nigel Hampton QC (Chairman), Stefan Terblanche and Stephen Hardy assessed the case.

In his finding, Hampton 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, Adrian Montzinger, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the Red Card under Law 9.12

"With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid range entry point of four weeks due to the contact with the opposing player’s head.

"The Foul Play Review Committee added one week to the initial sanction as aggravation for the fact the player was suspended for a similar incident less then 12 months prior. However, taking into account the mitigating factor of the player’s guilty plea at the first available opportunity, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to four weeks.

"The player is therefore suspended for four weeks, up to and including 23 June 2018."

All SANZAAR disciplinary matters are in the first instance referred to the Foul Play Review Committee to provide the option of expediting the judicial process.

@RugbyPass