Bulls centre JP Nel has been suspended from all rugby for four weeks following the his citing for a dangerous tackle on Sharks fullback Stefan Terblanche in Saturday’s Super 14 match in Durban, and will therefore miss Saturday’s semifinal against the Crusaders at Loftus.
Nel’s suspension is a severe blow to the Bulls — especially in light of the hip injury to ace centre Wynand Olivier, who has been in excellent form in the Super 14.
The Bulls will only decide later in the week whether Olivier’s hip has recovered sufficiently for him to play in the semifinal.
Nel’s disciplinary hearing took place on Monday. The case was heard in Pretoria by Sanzar judicial officer advocate Dekker Govender. Nel was represented at the hearing by his legal representative, Gerrie Swart. The defence argued strongly that the tackle on Terblanche was not dangerous.
The judicial officer, however, after viewing the video evidence ruled that the tackle by Nel was dangerous, and after taking into account the relevant mitigating circumstances, Nel was suspended for four weeks from all rugby up until and including June 13 2009.
Nel has the right to appeal the suspension. — Sapa