Stormers star banned for playoff matches
This past weekend, the Stormers' qualification for the URC playoffs was somewhat offset by the red card dished out to Damian Willemse, who was sent from the field for a high hit on Cardiff winger Gabe Hamer-Webb.
It has now been confirmed that Willemse has been banned for three games. However, should the Springbok utility back complete the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme – which he almost certainly will – then the sanction will be reduced by one week.
It means Willemse will miss the upcoming quarter-final against the Glasgow Warriors, and if the Cape side progresses, he will also not be available for the semi-final.
In the player's responses to the Judicial Officer overseeing the disciplinary process (Jennifer Donovan), he had accepted that he had committed an act of foul play which warranted a red card.
Donovan found that the incident met thered card threshold, with entry of mid-range warranting six weeks. Willemse received three weeks (50%) mitigation due to his good record, which results in a three game suspension.
Fixtures Damian Willemse is unavailable for:
Glasgow Warriors Stormers, Friday May 30, URC Quarter-Final
*The remaining two fixtures to which this sanction will apply shall be determined based on the progress of the Stormers
Considering how strict the officiating has become when it comes to these sorts of infringements, the Cape franchise were anticipating that the 27-year-old could face a ban.
'I haven't seen it enough to comment on what the impact is,' Stormers coach John Dobson said immediately after the game. 'He was stuck. I don't think he was trying to hit with the shoulder… I think he was trying to turn.
'The implications, I'm sure, are going to be poor for us. I've got no doubt. We can't appeal until there is a decision. I don't see them overturning that. It's a disaster for us.'
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