Bulls lock Bakkies Botha has received a three week suspension following a SANZAR disciplinary hearing in Sydney.
Lock suspended for 'striking'
Bulls lock Bakkies Botha has received a three week suspension following a SANZAR disciplinary hearing in Sydney.
Botha was cited following the recent Super 14 match against the Waratahs after he allegedly struck 'Tahs captain and flanker Phil Waugh with a forearm.
The Judicial Officer has categorised the seriousness of the offence and after taking into account all aggravating and mitigating factors Botha was suspended for three weeks, which precludes the player from participating in all forms of rugby up to and including May 2.
The suspension of Botha leaves the Bulls light on lock forwards with only Danie Rossouw and Wilhelm Steenkamp remaining as recognised second rowers for the remaining tour match against the Brumbies.
Victor Matfield has returned to South Africa for the birth of his second child and will only re-join the squad on their return from tour.
However, flanker Deon Stegmann has completed his suspension and has flown out to Australia to join up with the squad.
