Rugby:South Africa lock Bakkies Botha will miss the rest of the Tri-Nations after being suspended for nine weeks for headbutting All Blacks scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan.
Botha was suspended by Sanzar judicial officer Dennis Wheelahan today after a hearing in Auckland. He is not eligible to play again until after September 4th, the same date as South Africa's final Tri-Nations match against Australia.
Botha had been cited after the All Blacks beat South Africa 32-12 in the opening match of the Tri-Nations at Eden Park on Saturday.
Irish referee Alan Lewis missed the incident which happened in a tackle after Cowan had tugged at Botha's jersey as both were chasing a loose ball.
Television replays showed Botha appearing to pause after completing a tackle on Cowan before launching himself at the back of the scrumhalf's head.
Sanzar, the competition's ruling body, said Wheelahan had deemed the offence to be in the middle range of seriousness, but had also considered the South African's record of past offences when deciding the punishment.
Botha was suspended last year for two weeks for a dangerous charge on British and Irish Lions prop Adam Jones and was handed an eight-week ban for "attacking the face" of Wallabies hooker Brendan Cannon in 2003.
Botha also received a four-week suspension during this year's Super 14 for recklessly charging into a ruck. All Blacks coach Graham Henry, who was visibly angry at the incident with Cowan after the match, said he was not surprised at the length of the ban.
"He's got a history. He's probably lucky he didn't get more than nine weeks," Henry told reporters in Auckland. "It was just one of those things that happens in a game which is not part of the game and has been dealt with correctly."
Botha has expressed his remorse for his actions.
“I sincerely regret the incident,” Botha said. “I have let my team, my country and family down and I have done an injustice to the Springbok jersey and what it stands for. I apologise to Jimmy Cowan and the New Zealand rugby public for what happened. Rugby is a physical sport but it has to be played within the boundaries and spirit of the law.
“I truly regret my actions and will make sure that I put the extended time away from the game to positive use and return to playing with the right attitude”.
South Africa’s national teams’ manager Andy Marinos, spoke of the South African Rugby Union’s disappointment at the actions of the 68-times capped forward.
“Saru views any incident of foul play in a very serious light. Bakkies remains an important player in Springbok rugby and I have discussed with him the extent of his actions and the implications it could have on the team, himself personally and his family,” former Wales centre Marinos said.