Kyle Sinckler

British & Irish Lions prop Kyle Sinckler has been cited following Saturday’s second Test against the Springboks at the Cape Town Stadium. Photo credit should read MICHAEL BRADLEY/AFP via Getty Images

Watch: Identity of Springbok bite victim revealed!

Rugby fans were left surprised at the news that British & Irish Lions prop Kyle Sinckler had been cited for biting following the second Test against the Springboks.

Kyle Sinckler

British & Irish Lions prop Kyle Sinckler has been cited following Saturday’s second Test against the Springboks at the Cape Town Stadium. Photo credit should read MICHAEL BRADLEY/AFP via Getty Images

Rugby fans were left surprised at the news that British & Irish Lions prop Kyle Sinckler had been cited for biting following the second Test between the Springboks and their visitors last Saturday.

READ | DUANE VERMEULEN JOINS SPRINGBOK CAMP

Many were unaware such an incident had even transpired (in the 64th minute) while others were bemused all of Cheslin Kolbe, Maro Itoje, Stuart Hogg and Faf de Klerk had escaped a similar citing for an array of dubious actions.

World Rugby confirmed the citing on Sunday in a statement, part of which read: “British & Irish Lions player Kyle Sinckler will attend an independent disciplinary hearing after he was cited by Scott Nowland (Australia) for an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.12 (biting) during the 64th minute of the second test against South Africa in Cape Town on 31 July, 2021.

“Sinckler will attend a hearing via video conference before an independent Judicial Committee chaired by Adam Casselden SC (Australia), joined by former international players David Croft and John Langford (both Australia) on 3 August.”

READ | BRITISH & IRISH LIONS PROP KYLE SINCKLER CITED FOR BITING SPRINGBOK

While there doesn’t appear to be clear television evidence of the biting of Springbok lock Franco Mostert, Sinckler could face up to six months on the sidelines if found guilty.

According to SuperSport’s Brenden Nel, it is understood that Mostert approached referee Ben O’Keeffe after the incident and pointed out the bite marks.

READ | NICK MALLETT OFFERS THOUGHTS ON FINAL SPRINGBOKS V BRITISH & IRISH LIONS TEST

O’Keeffe promised to have “it looked at” after being urged to do so by Springbok captain Siya Kolisi.

Shortly after the incident O’Keeffe can be heard telling Kolisi: “Siya, I understand what Franco has said, but I can’t do anything about that right now. If there is anything, it will be dealt with after the game if we need to… yes, we will”

The low end of the sanction for biting is 12 weeks, but could be raised given Sinckler’s history as well as the severity of the action as deemed by the judicial committee.

Counting against Sinckler is that he does have a history of foul play.

READ | SPRINGBOKS V BRITISH & IRISH LIONS TEST PUT ALL BLACKS COACH TO SLEEP!

In 2017 he was suspended for seven weeks for eye-gouging Northampton’s Michael Paterson in a Premiership game while playing for Harlequins.

In addition, Sinckler was also handed a two-week ban for swearing at a referee in January.