Andre Esterhuizen ban

Andre Esterhuizen of the Springboks has been banned for four matches due to a red card received for a dangerous head-on-head tackle against Portugal's Jose Lima during a Test match in Bloemfontein. Initially shown a yellow card, the decision was upgraded to red after a review, as the tackle resulted in concussion for Lima. The disciplinary committee determined the offence warranted a mid-range entry point for punishment, initially six matches, but reduced it to four after considering mitigating factors. Esterhuizen can potentially reduce the ban to three matches by completing a World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme. He will miss upcoming Currie Cup matches but may return for the Springboks' fixtures against New Zealand in late August. Esterhuizen has 48 hours to appeal the decision if he chooses to do so.