Springbok lock Lood de Jager was sent off in the first half of last Saturday’s game against France after making shoulder-to-the head contact with France fullback Thomas Ramos, and he has now learned his fate after subsequently appearing at a disciplinary hearing.
Referee Angus Gardner, after a long consultation with his assistants, ultimately decided to issue a straight red card, which led a widespread reaction on social media.
After a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday, it’s now been confirmed that De Jager has received a four-match ban, which will see him miss the upcoming Tests against Italy, Ireland and Wales.
He could also miss a Japan Rugby League One fixture for his club, Wild Knights, against Brave Lupus in December but this could be avoided he agrees to take part in World Rugby’s coaching intervention programme.
HERE ARE ALL THE DETAILS ON THE LOOD DE JAGER DECISION
“South Africa No 5 Lood de Jager appeared before an independent disciplinary committee this afternoon via video link having received a red card for an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.16 in the match between France and South Africa on Saturday, 8 November 2025,” a statement read late on Tuesday.
“The independent disciplinary committee was chaired by Jennifer Donovan (Ireland), joined by former referees Val Toma (Romania) and Donal Courtney (Ireland).
“The disciplinary committee has upheld the red card issued to the player and by applying World Rugby’s sanctioning provisions, have determined that the mid-range entry point of six weeks/matches was appropriate.
“Mitigating factors were applied by the committee reducing the six-week entry point by two weeks, thus reducing the final sanction to four weeks/matches.
“The suspension will cover the following matches:
15 November 2025: Italy vs South Africa, Autumn Nations Series
22 November 2025: Ireland vs South Africa, Autumn Nations Series
29 November 2025: Wales vs South Africa, Autumn Nations Series
14 December 2025: Wild Knights vs Toshiba Brave Lupus, Japan League One*
* The player has additionally been given permission to apply to take part in World Rugby’s coaching intervention programme to substitute the final match of their sanction which is aimed at modifying specific techniques and technical issues that contributed to the foul play.“
UNDERSTANDING THE LAW
Although there was plenty of debate about the red card, it has been noted that World Rugby did make a tweak to their processes when a player is deemed to be committing an offence that is ‘always an illegal action with a high degree of danger’.
So when Gardner reviewed De Jager’s tackle attempt, due to the fact it was deemed a high tackle and without a wrapping arm, any mitigating factors such as a drop in height from Ramos were no longer applicable because the action of the Springbok lock was already seen as ‘always an illegal action with a high degree of danger’.
