Sharks Lock Receives 4-Week Ban for Foul Play Incident

A Sharks lock has received a four-week suspension for foul play in the Investec Champions Cup. The Sale Sharks’ Hyron Andrews was yellow-carded by referee Andrew Brace for a dangerous tackle on Toulouse replacement hooker Peato Mauvaka in the 71st minute of the match at Stade Ernest-Wallon on Saturday. After being cited, an independent disciplinary committee heard evidence and submissions from the player and his representatives, with Andrews accepting that he had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card. The committee determined that the offending was at the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions and six weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point. Due to the player’s prior disciplinary record, the committee were only able to reduce the sanction by two weeks and therefore imposed a four-week suspension. The South African is free to play again on Monday, 23 February. However, if he applies for and successfully completes the World Rugby coaching intervention programme, he will be free to play on Monday, 9 February. ALSO: Sacha up for Investec Player of the Year award Meanwhile, Montauban replacement hooker Ru-Hann Greyling has been suspended for three weeks for dangerous play in a ruck on Connacht centre Cathal Forde. The South African is free to play on Monday, 16 February, but will be free to play on Monday, 2 February if he completes the coaching intervention programme