Overview
- Referee Angus Gardner issued a permanent red card to Lood de Jager for shoulder-to-head contact on Thomas Ramos just before half time in Paris.
- An independent Disciplinary Committee chaired by Jennifer Donovan upheld the dismissal and set a mid‑range six‑match entry point, reduced to a four‑match suspension after mitigation.
- Completion of World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention Programme could cut the sanction to three matches, which would lift the ban before his December club fixture in Japan.
- The suspension covers South Africa’s remaining Quilter Nations Series fixtures against Italy, Ireland and Wales, after the Springboks beat France 32–17 while playing the second half with 14 men.
- Reaction remained split as several former All Blacks called the straight red harsh, while ex-Test referee Owen Doyle said it was warranted and raised concerns about HIA and review‑process consistency.