Springbok players Schalk Burger and Bakkies Botha were suspended following disciplinary hearings by Judicial Officer Alan Hudson of Canada that concluded in Johannesburg on Monday morning. The pair was cited by Steve Hinds of New Zealand for foul play during Saturday’s second Test of the Castle South Africa 2009 Lions Series at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. South Africa won the match 28-25.

Schalk Burger

Burger was found guilty of committing an act contrary to good sportsmanship – Law 10.4 (l) – by making contact with the face in the eye area of Lions wing Luke Fitzgerald in the first minute of the Test.

Burger was yellow carded for the offence by referee Christophe Berdos of France. The player was suspended for eight weeks and will only be able to return to rugby on until midnight on August 22.

Bakkies Botha

Botha was found guilty of transgressing Law 10.4 (j) by dangerously charging into a ruck without binding on a player. The incident took place in the fourth minute of the second half and resulted in Lions prop Adam Jones leaving the field with a shoulder injury.

He was suspended for two weeks, effective until midnight on Saturday, July 11.

Both players were represented by attorney Gerrie Swart.