The Emirates Lions will be sitting on tenterhooks this week after news that their hooker PJ Botha was cited for striking an opponent “in an illegal manner” during their loss to the Ospreys in the EPCR Challenge Cup game in Johannesburg on Sunday.
Botha has been the regular starting hooker for the Lions this season and it is expected he would start in the Jukskei derby against the Vodacom Bulls this coming weekend at Loftus Versfeld.
So the news that he had been cited will come as a blow to the Lions, who are looking to repeat their shock win at the same venue last season.
The citing - which meant the citing officer believed it was worthy of a red card - will be heard via video conference on Wednesday.
“EPCR has received a citing complaint against the Emirates Lions hooker, PJ Botha (No 2), arising from his club’s EPCR Challenge Cup, Round 4 match against the Ospreys at Emirates Airline Park on Sunday, 21 January 2024,” a statement from the governing body said.
“Botha is alleged to have struck the Ospreys back row, Harri Deaves (No 7), in a dangerous manner in the 4th minute of the match in contravention of Law 9.12.
The complaint was made by the match Citing Commissioner, Olivier Astier (France).
“Law 9.12 Striking with the hand, arm, elbow or shoulder
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”
“The hearing will take place by video conference on Wednesday (24 January) and the make-up of the independent Disciplinary Committee will be confirmed shortly.”
If Botha is found guilty he may be unable to play this coming weekend, depending on the way the sentence is given.