Sharks captain cops lengthy suspension

The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee has accepted a guilty plea from Sharks captain Ruan Botha for contravening Law 9.12: Striking with hand or arm, after he was red carded during his side's match against the Jaguares over the weekend.

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 23 June 2018.

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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, Foul Play Review Committee Chairman Nigel Hampton QC 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 4 weeks due to the contact with the opposing Player's head."