Overview
- The disciplinary committee confirmed a mid-range entry point of six matches for Lood de Jager’s offence, reduced to four after mitigation and potentially to three if he completes the Coaching Intervention Programme.
- The suspension rules him out of South Africa’s Tests against Italy on 15 November, Ireland on 22 November and Wales on 29 November, plus a 14 December Japan League One match for Panasonic Wild Knights unless the programme reduction is applied.
- De Jager was shown a permanent red card for shoulder-to-head contact on Thomas Ramos under Law 9.16, with referee Angus Gardner describing the action as “always illegal.”
- South Africa beat France 32-17 at Stade de France despite playing the entire second half with 14 players after the lock’s dismissal.
- Reaction remains divided, with former referee Owen Doyle backing the red card and several ex-All Blacks questioning the review process, as the Springboks turn to options including RG Snyman, Jean Kleyn, Franco Mostert and Ruan Nortje to cover at lock.