The Springbok centre, André Esterhuizen, has been banned for four matches following a World Rugby disciplinary hearing.

Esterhuizen’s return to international rugby on the weekend was short-lived after receiving an upgraded yellow card in the third minute of the Test against Portugal in Bloemfontein.

Esterhuizen’s tackle, deemed head-on-head contact, left the Os Lobos centre, José Lima, knocked out cold. It however appears that there was minimal head contact, and it was rather Lima’s head hitting the ground that ended his Test.

‘Esterhuizen has accepted that the offence warranted a red card’

The hearing was undertaken by an Independent Disciplinary Committee chaired by Matthew Weaver KC (England) and joined by former player Jamie Corsi (Wales) and former international referee Valeriu Toma (Romania).

Esterhuizen has accepted that foul play had occurred and that the offence warranted a red card.

The powerful centre has been banned for four matches but it will be reduced to three games. This will be subject to completing the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme.

‘Esterhuizen has 48 hours to appeal the decision’

Should the centre complete the CISM programme, he can return to the field on 17 August against the Cheetahs at the Toyota Stadium in the Currie Cup.

Esterhuizen has 48 hours to appeal the decision in writing.

Due to the pending disciplinary hearing, Esterhuizen was omitted from the Springbok squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship on 10 August.

Do you agree with the decision to red card Andre Esterhuizen for this tackle?
pic.twitter.com/KaLDhK5fwf

— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) July 20, 2024

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh