The Emirates Lions were left breathing a sigh of relief after the disciplinary charge against hooker PJ Botha was dismissed by an EPCR Disciplinary committee, meaning he is free to play against the Vodacom Bulls in their Vodacom United Rugby Championship match on Saturday.
Botha was cited by the match Citing Commissioner, Olivier Astier (France), for allegedly striking the Ospreys back row, Harri Deaves, in a dangerous manner in the 4th minute of the match in contravention of Law 9.12.
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.12 striking with the hand, arm, elbow or shoulder carries the following sanction entry points - Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top end: 10 to 52 weeks
An independent Disciplinary Committee comprising Matt O’Grady (England), Chair, Donal Courtney (Ireland) and Becky Essex (England) studied video imagery of the incident and heard evidence from Botha who accepted that he had committed an act of foul play but did not accept that it warranted a red card.
The committee also heard submissions from the player’s legal representative, Adrian Montzinger, from the Emirates Lions Head of Rugby Operations, Tracy van Ginkel, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.
“The committee found that Botha had committed an act of foul play, however, it decided that the offence did not warrant a red card, and the citing complaint was therefore dismissed. Botha is free to play immediately and EPCR has the right to appeal the decision,” the committee said.
In a separate citing incident Toyota Cheetahs winger Daniel Kasende was banned for three weeks but will be available for the Cheetahs EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 match on 6 April if he completes a World Rugby Coaching intervention course.
Kasende was cited by the match Citing Commissioner, Eric Jara Literas (Spain), for striking the Oyonnax Rugby No 8, Loic Godener, with his forearm in a dangerous manner in the 54th minute of the match in contravention of Law 9.11.
According to Law 9.11 A player must not do anything that is reckless or dangerous to others, including leading with the elbow or forearm
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.11 carries the following sanction entry points - Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top end: 10 to 52 weeks
An independent Disciplinary Committee comprising Katherine Mackie (Scotland), Chair, Mirian Tavzarashvili (Georgia) and Tony Wheat (Ireland) studied video imagery of the incident and heard evidence from Kasende who accepted that he had committed an act of foul play but did not accept that it warranted a red card.
The committee also heard submissions from the player’s legal representative, Attie Heyns, from the Toyota Cheetahs Director of Rugby, Frans Steyn, from the Toyota Cheetahs Team Manager, Ashwell Rafferty, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.
“The committee upheld the complaint finding that Kasende had recklessly struck Godener in the neck with a leading forearm that warranted a red card and it determined that the offending was at the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions and six weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.
“Taking into account his acceptance that his actions amounted to foul play and his clear disciplinary record, the committee decided to reduce the sanction by the maximum of 50 per cent before imposing a three-week suspension.
“As Kasende would have been considered for selection for the Toyota Cheetahs’ SA Cup matches against Boland on 23 March and against the Leopards on 30 March, he is free to play on Monday, 8 April. If he applies for and successfully completes a World Rugby Coaching Intervention, he will be free to play on Monday, 1 April.
“Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.”