James suspended for four weeks for high tackle against Sharks

June 15 - MTN Lions flyhalf Butch James been suspended for four weeks after being found guilty of dangerous play following a high tackle on Keegan Daniel in the drawn match against the Sharks last week.

  SANZAR judicial officer, Rob Stelzner on Wednesday found James guilty of contravening Law 10.4 (e) and classified the offense as mid-range.

As the Lions have a bye in the final round of the Super Rugby tournament, Stelzner, in terms of Regulation 17, has ruled that the commencement of the sanction be deferred to Monday 20 June.

James is therefore effectively suspended from all rugby up to and including July 17. He will miss the MTN Lions’ first Currie Cup match against the Pumas at Coca-Cola Park on July 16 should he not be selected to the Springboks Tri-Nations squad, but will be able to play against Griquas in Kimberley the next weekend.

He will be available for the first Tri-Nations match on July 23, but it is uncertain whether he will be able to train with the Boks until the expiry of his suspension – just five days before the Test.