Springbok fans in Mbombela will not be able to see the Wiese brothers run out side by side against Georgia on July 19, as Jasper Wiese has been slapped with a hefty suspension by World Rugby.

Jasper Wiese, who many would have hoped to see in action in Mbombela this weekend, was suspended from the match against Italy in Gqeberha on July 12 after 21 minutes. He was handed a red card for headbutting an opponent, which has now led to bigger consequences.

It was suspected from the onset that he would received a heftier sanction after the game, and these fears were realised on Tuesday, July 15, when it was announced that Wiese would be slapped with a four-match suspension for his actions. World Rugby’s sanction of Wiese comes after its Foul Play Review Committee met on Sunday July 13, before referring the matter to a Disciplinary Committee (DC) for a full hearing on Tuesday.

“The player accepted that foul play had occurred but did not accept that the offence warranted a red card,” World Rugby said in a statement that announced the suspension.

“The DC considered the player’s submissions, along with the clips and other available evidence, and found that the red card was upheld. While the red card issued was for Law 9.11 (a player must not do anything reckless or dangerous), the committee agreed that the offence should be 9.12 (striking with the head).”

The 29-year-old loose forward will miss out on crucial games for the Boks, but he will be free to play again in time for the second All Blacks test in Wellington on September 13.

Jasper Wiese will be suspended for the following matches:
• South Africa v Georgia – July 19
• South Africa v Australia – August 16
• South Africa v Australia – August 23
• New Zealand v South Africa – September 6