Third strike for Higginbotham

Rebels captain Scott Higginbotham  is to appear before a SANZAR Duty Judicial Officer after receiving a third yellow card this season.

The Rebels No.8 was sent to the sin bin in his team's defeat to the Lions for a dangerous tackle on Lions flank Willie Britz.

A player who has received three yellow cards (whether on or off field, or any combination thereof) arising from matches in the same Super Rugby competition shall be required to appear before the Duty Judicial Officer appointed for the match during which he last offended.

At the same time as notification of the details of his hearing pursuant to Rule 4.1, the player shall be sent copies of the match officials' reports in relation to each incident and be advised that the purpose of the hearing before the Duty Judicial Officer is to consider the circumstances in which each yellow card was imposed and determine whether any further penalty should be imposed on him by reason of his persistent foul play.

The hearing is to be considered in the first instance by SANZAR Duty Judicial Officer Nicholas Davidson.

All SANZAR disciplinary matters are in the first instance referred to a Duty Judicial Officer hearing to provide the option of expediting the judicial process.