Marcell Coetzee has been slapped with a heavy suspension for his dangerous tackle in the clash between the Vodacom Bulls and Edinburgh last week.

Coetzee was red carded for making shoulder-on-head contact with prop Pierre Schoeman during the Vodacom URC round five match at the Hive Stadium.

Referee Chris Busby ejected the Bulls co-captain in the 42nd minute, citing Law 9.13 – a prohibition on dangerous tackles above the shoulders.

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Despite Coetzee’s exemplary disciplinary record, the committee upheld the red card, imposing a three-week suspension. Completion of the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme could reduce the sanction by one game.

As it stands, the loose forward is unavailable for the Bulls’ clash with Connacht in Pretoria tomorrow, as well as next week’s derby against the Sharks and their Champions Cup opener against Saracens (December 9).