Sharks lock Ruan Botha has received a three-match suspension for dangerous play during South Africa A’s match against the French Barbarians in Soweto.

Botha was red-carded for the incident in the 39th minute, in which he ‘charged into a ruck dangerously, leading with the arm and shoulder making contact with the opponent’s face’.

The player admitted foul play and agreed that the issue of a red card was appropriate.

Judicial officer Mike Hamlin of England ruled the transgression to be in the mid-range of seriousness, which carries a six-week suspension. However, because of Botha’s good disciplinary record and other mitigating factors, the sanction was reduced by three weeks.

Taking into consideration that the Sharks have a bye on the weekend of 8/9 July, Botha is free to play again on 24 July, meaning he will miss three matches for his franchise.

Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images