CAPE TOWN – Springbok No 8 Jasper Wiese has been hit with a four-match suspension following a World Rugby disciplinary hearing today, ruling him out of crucial upcoming fixtures in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship.
The 29-year-old Leicester Tigers forward received the ban after his red card ‘head-banging’ incident during South Africa’s dominant 45-0 victory over Italy last Saturday.
The incident occurred during South Africa’s comprehensive victory over Italy, where the Springboks showcased their depth ahead of the Castle Lager Incoming Series finale against Georgia.
The disciplinary hearing, conducted by World Rugby officials on Tuesday, reviewed video footage and heard testimony before determining the four-match ban.
Key match bans confirmed
Wiese will miss critical fixtures against Georgia on Saturday, followed by two matches against Australia in August as well as the first test match against New Zealand in September.
The powerful loose forward will be eligible for selection again on 13 September for the second All Blacks Test in Wellington, followed by the Argentina fixtures in Durban (27 September) and London (4 October).
Impact on championship campaign
This suspension deals a significant blow to the Springboks’ Castle Lager Rugby Championship preparations, with Wiese being a key player in South Africa’s forward pack rotation.
Coach Rassie Erasmus will now need to reshape his loose forward combinations for the opening matches of what promises to be a highly competitive Rugby Championship campaign.
