Sharks flanker Jean Deysel has been banned for seven weeks for kneeing an opponent in the head in a Super Rugby game.
SANZAR said Deysel pleaded guilty in a disciplinary hearing to striking Crusaders flanker Matt Todd in the Sharks’ 52-10 loss in Durban on Saturday. Deysel was sent off.
SANZAR said on Tuesday that it also took into account a previous offence by Deysel last season, when he was red-carded for stamping on a player.
Deysel was the third Sharks player to receive a hefty ban for foul play this season.
Captain Bismarck du Plessis was suspended for four weeks last month for kicking a player, and centre Francois Steyn received a five-week ban for a dangerous tip tackle.