JJ Kotze handed three-week ban after red card

Stormers hooker JJ Kotze has been handed a three-week suspension after an independent disciplinary committee upheld the red card he received against Bristol Bears in the Investec Champions Cup.

The 25-year-old declined to accept the Foul Play Review Committee’s proposed three-week sanction and referred the case to an independent disciplinary hearing, arguing that the tackle did not warrant a red card.

Committee upholds Kotze red card

Kotze was sent off in the 33rd minute of the Stormers’ 49-12 victory over Bristol at DHL Stadium on October 17 after referee Kevin Bralley ruled his tackle on scrum-half Kieran Marmion dangerous.

Kotze accepted that he had committed an act of foul play but disputed that the incident met the threshold for a red card.

An independent committee comprising Daniel Gore of England as chair, Romania’s Bogdan Zebega and Wales’ Chris Morgan reviewed the match footage, official reports and submissions from Kotze and the Stormers before upholding the dismissal.

Three-week suspension confirmed

The committee determined that Kotze’s offence breached World Rugby Law 9.13 and fell within the mid-range sanction category, carrying a six-week entry point.

His acceptance of foul play, clear disciplinary record and conduct during the hearing resulted in the maximum 50 per cent mitigation, reducing the suspension to three weeks.

Kotze could reduce suspension

Due to the international window, Kotze is currently due to become available again on Monday, December 7.

However, he could return from Monday, November 2 if he applies for and successfully completes World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention Programme.

Both Kotze and EPCR retain the right to appeal the disciplinary committee’s decision.