Former Blue Bulls, and now Northampton Saints, number eight Gerrit-Jan van Velze has been handed a four weeks ban for a ‘tip tackle’ having been cited after Northampton’s game against Exeter Chiefs last weekend.
bbc
The 24-year-old South African was sin-binned for a first-half ‘tip’ tackle on Exeter scrum-half Will Chudley.
After the game, he tweeted: “Sorry for the ill discipline today, I had no intention to hurt anyone, haven’t seen the replay yet but will have a look.”
Van Velze pleaded guilty to the offence at a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday.
He will miss games against Bath, Worcester, London Wasps and London Irish.
The 17st former South Africa Schools captain joined Saints from the Bulls in March.
Gerrit-Jan van Velze profile
| Date of Birth | 21st Feb 1988 |
| Birthplace | Secunda, S Africa |
| Height | 1.93 m (6′ 4″) |
| Weight | 106 kg (16 st 9 lb) |
| Position | Back Row |