Sharks

Sharks wing Makazole Mapimpi. Image: URC/Gallo Images.

BREAKING: Springboks, Sharks wing cited for eye gouge

Sharks wing Makazole Mapimpi has been cited for an alleged eye gouge during this past weekend’s Champions Cup clash.

Sharks

Sharks wing Makazole Mapimpi. Image: URC/Gallo Images.

Mapimpi will face a disciplinary hearing after a citing was made after the Sharks’ win over Bordeaux-Bègles in Durban. A complaint was made during the match, but no footage showed any incident.

However, the citing would seem to suggest more damning footage may have been found.

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Mapimpi is alleged to have made contact with the eye or eye area of the Bordeaux’s scrumhalf Maxime Lucu in the 36th minute of the match.

Despite the alleged eye incident having not been spotted by the on-field officials, the EPCR has now received a citing complaint against Mapimpi from the match citing commissioner Brian Campsall.

Antony Davies (England), Chair, Leon Lloyd (England) and Donal Courtney (Ireland) have been appointed as the independent disciplinary committee for the hearing which will take place by video conference on Wednesday, 18 January.

Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.12 relating to contact with the eye or eye area carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 4 weeks; Mid-range: 8 weeks; Top end: 12 to 52 weeks.

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The Sharks have already reached the Round of 16

The Sharks have travelled to England to take on Harlequins in their final Champions Cup pool match on Saturday afternoon.

This game kicks off at 3pm on Sunday.

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Meanwhile, Sharks hooker Bongi Mbonambi is an injury concern after he left the field during his side’s win against Bordeaux Begles.

The 2019 Rugby World Cup winner left the field early in the first half clutching his shoulder.

Speaking to the media after their 32-3 bonus point win, Sharks director of rugby Neil Powell said that more will be revealed by the medical staff early this week.

Sharks duo Siya Kolisi and Bongi Mbonambi
Sharks hooker Bongi Mbonambi is an injury concern after he left the field during his side’s Heineken Champions Cup rout of Bordeaux Begles. Photo: PA.