SA born lock banned for 12 weeks for horror high tackle | Sport

Ryno Pieterse in action for the Bulls during a Super Rugby clash against the Sharks in Durban on 20 January 2020.

Castres lock Ryno Pieterse was on Wednesday banned for 12 weeks for a dangerous tackle last month against Bordeaux-Begles in the Top 14, the French National Rugby League (NRL) announced.

WATCH | SA’s Ryno Pieterse shown straight red card for horror tackle in Top 14 clash

The 23-year-old South African received a red card in the 64th minute of the 23-23 draw against Bordeaux-Begles on September 18 for a late and violent tackle on scrum-half Maxime Lucu.

Lucu had just kicked the ball and still had both feet off the ground when the hulking Pieterse flew into him, striking Lucu high with a shoulder.

Lucu had to leave the game, though a week later he was fit to play the last 20 minutes against Brive.

The NRL Disciplinary Committee found Pieterse responsible for “dangerous play” and “tackling, charging, pulling, pushing or grabbing an opponent whose feet are not touching the ground”, according to a statement.

As is habitual, the disciplinary committee started by imposing a longer ban, 24 weeks, and then trimming it for extenuating circumstances, which in this case included Pieterse’s clean disciplinary record and his apology to Lucu.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Bordeaux-Begles coach Christophe Urios said, before pointing to the top of his chest. “Fortunately he (Lucu) takes it there. Otherwise he (Pieterse) could kill him!”

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred

In times of uncertainty you need journalism you can
trust. For only R75 per month, you have access to
a world of in-depth analyses, investigative journalism,
top opinions and a range of features. Journalism
strengthens democracy. Invest in the future today.