Springbok and Sale Sharks loose-forward Dan du Preez has been handed a three-week suspension for reckless play against Gloucester last Saturday.

Du Preez appeared in front of an online independent disciplinary committee on Wednesday after being cited following Sale’s 22-19 victory over Gloucester at Kingsholm.

Video footage showed Du Preez making contact with the back of Gloucester centre Chris Harris’ head which forced Harris to leave the field for a head injury assessment.

The incident went unpunished after TMO Geoff Warren informed referee Karl Dickson that he believed that Du Preez had attempted to wrap his arms. Du Preez would go on to be named man of the match as the Sale Sharks secured a 22-19 victory after trailing 16-9 at half time.

The 25-year-old has been cited in breach of Law 9.12: ‘A player must not physically or verbally abuse anyone. Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to, biting, punching, contact with the eye or eye area, striking with any part of the arm (including stiff-arm tackles), shoulder, head or knee(s), stamping, trampling, tripping or kicking’ or Law 9.11: ‘Players must not do anything that is reckless or dangerous to others.’

Du Preez accepted the latter charge and was given a three-match ban. He will be free to play again on 26 January which will mean he will miss Friday’s home Premiership clash against the Worcester Warriors and the European Champions Cup games against Edinburgh and Toulon.

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