De Jager Red Card Appeal Dismissed

Springbok lock Lood de Jager has lost his appeal against a four-match ban following a red card picked up in a 32-17 victory over France on 8 November. 

De Jager was sent off just before half-time for a shoulder-to-head tackle on French fullback Thomas Ramos, which was deemed a permanent red card. 

The lock appealed both the finding that he had committed an act of foul play and the resulting four-match suspension. He argued that his opponent dropped in height at the last minute and that a red card was disproportionate; however, an independent appeal committee rejected his arguments. 

The independent Appeal Committee was chaired by Christopher Quinlan KC, joined by Roger Morris (Wales) and Becky Essex (England).

“On review of the case that was presented to the Disciplinary Committee and having considered submissions advanced on behalf of the Appellant, the Appeal Committee dismissed the appeal against the finding that he committed an act of foul play which merited a red card and also against the suspension,” a statement said. 

The news comes after Franco Mostert’s red card against Italy had been rescinded, and confirmed that de Jager will miss the remainder of the Autumn Nations Series for the Springboks.