Sharks No 8 Ryan Kankowski has been suspended from all forms of rugby for one week, after he was found guilty of foul play in last weekend’s Absa Currie Cup loss to the Lions in Johannesburg, the South African Rugby Union (Saru) said on Thursday.
Kankowski was cited under Law 10.4 (b) for stamping on an opponent, and will miss his side’s clash with the Leopards on Friday night.
The Sharks loose forward used his right foot in a stamping action on the body (stomach area) of Lions flank Trevor Hall during the 75th minute of the game, Saru said in a statement.
Referee Jason Jaftha penalised Kankowski with a yellow card after the incident was flagged by assistant referee Christie du Preez.
A telephonic Saru judicial hearing was held on Wednesday, chaired by Advocate Rob Stelzner.
Kankowski pleaded not guilty. His defence argued that he was in the process of falling backwards which forced him to lift one leg to regain his balance, which resulted in him placing his foot on his opponent as he regained his balance.
It was also argued that the Sharks eighth man did not have the benefit of being able to stop during the incident to regain his balance and ensure that his foot was placed away from his opponent.
Stelzner, after considering all relevant facts and available video evidence, recommended a suspension of two weeks.
He reduced the recommended sanction to one week, however, after ruling that Kankowski’s action was impulsive rather than reckless. Stelzner added that the act was retaliatory and was not done with malice or forethought.
As a result, Kankowski was suspended for one game. He has the right to appeal.