Springbok and Sharks hooker, Akker van der Merwe, has been banned for three weeks for his role in the bust-up with fellow Springbok hooker, Schalk Britz, of the Bulls in Durban on Saturday. The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee accepted a guilty plea from Sharks hooker after he was red carded against the Bulls.
The incident occurred in the 58th minute of the match when Van der Merwe head-butted and punched opposite number Brits. Van der Merwe has been suspended from all forms of the game for three weeks, up to and including April the 19th. As a result, he will miss the Sharks next three Super Rugby matches against the Lions in Johannesburg and at home against the Jaguares and the Reds.
The Sharks are facing a crisis in the hooker position with Craig Burden sidelined with a bicep injury, while Chiliboy Ralepelle is still waiting for his ‘B’ blood doping test results.
