South Africa captain John Smit received a six-week ban in France on Tuesday for striking French counterpart Jerome Thion and fracturing his larynx in the 26-20 defeat last Saturday.
The 27-year-old Springbok’s suspension was imposed by the International Rugby Board’s judicial officer for the match, Denis Wheelahan, after being cited by the independent citing commissioner, David Gray of New Zealand.
Smit’s suspension — which he will not appeal against — will start on January 14 next year, the opening day of the new season in South Africa. He will be able to resume playing on February 26.
Thion suffered the blow in the 13th minute of the match as Smit, winning his 53rd cap, lashed out behind him when Thion tried to wrestle the ball out of his hand. Referee Scott Young took no direct action against Smit at the time, but awarded France a penalty.
Thion — capped 21 times, including three as captain, and who replaced Fabien Pelous as skipper when the latter himself received a nine-week ban for elbowing Australian hooker Brendan Cannon earlier this month — has been ruled out for six weeks.
Smit said he has no complaints about the hearing.
”I received a fair hearing and want to wish Jerome a speedy recovery,” said Smit, who will miss three Super 14 matches for the Sharks.
Andy Marinos, manager for all South African teams, said Smit has been badly affected by the episode.
”John has been very upset by the incident and he wishes him [Thion] a quick recovery. It has never been his intention to hurt someone on the pitch.”
Marinos said Smit phoned Thion to wish him ”good luck” and a quick recovery.
”He has also spoken to Marcel Martin [president of his French team, Biarritz],” he added.
Another Springbok official, Nick Usiskin, said Smit hadn’t intended harming Thion.
”It is important to note the contribution John has made to world rugby, both as player and as a captain. The judge who presided over the proceedings certainly took this into account, as well as the outstanding character of John when he determined the period of sanction,” said Usiskin, referring to the range of punishment capable of being imposed being from two weeks to a year.
”Smit said he never intended to harm the player, French skipper Jerome Thion, in anyway. Although disappointed with the suspension, he however accepts the decision.” — Sapa-AFP