Springbok Women's captain Mandisa Williams has lost her appeal against a 16-week suspension for striking an opponent.

Williams was found guilty of contravening law 10.4 (m) and 10.4 (a) which states that a player should not strike an opponent nor act contrary to good sportsmanship. The incident in question occurred during the Bok Women's 26-3 loss to Australia in their opening match of the 2014 Women's Rugby World Cup.

The lengthy ban will rule Williams out for the remainder of the World Cup, the SARU Women’s Interprovincial Series semi-final and possibly final, as well as the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series qualifier in Hong Kong and the Dubai International Invitational, among other tournaments.

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