The Stormers have suffered a major blow as the union has banned star fullback Damian Willemse for at least two playoff games.
A significant setback has overshadowed the Stormers’ qualification for the United Rugby Championship (URC) playoffs: the referee handed Damian Willemse a red card for a high tackle on Cardiff winger Gabe Hamer-Webb.
Willemse Cops Hefty Ban and Compulsory Tackle School
It has now been confirmed that Willemse has received a three-match suspension. However, the sanction could be reduced to two games if the Springbok utility back completes World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention Programme – a step he is expected to take.
As a result, Willemse will undoubtedly miss the Stormers’ do-or-die URC quarter-final against the defending champion Glasgow Warriors on Friday, 30 May.
Furthermore, should the Cape side advance to the semi-finals, he will also be unavailable for that match.
Disciplinary Finding – Guilty as Charged
During the disciplinary hearing overseen by Judicial Officer Jennifer Donovan, Willemse acknowledged that he committed an act of foul play, warranting a red card.
Consequently, Donovan ruled that the incident met the red card threshold, with a mid-range entry point suggesting a six-week suspension.
Due to Willemse’s clean disciplinary record and acceptance of responsibility, a 50% mitigation was applied, consequently resulting in a three-week ban.
Fixtures Willemse Will Miss
The two-time World Cup winner is unavailable for selection in the Stormers’ eliminator against the Glasgow Warriors (1.34), in addition to up to two additional matches.
The remaining two fixtures to which this sanction will apply shall be determined based on the Stormers’ playoff progress.
Suspension Implications for Stormers
Stormers (3.35) head coach John Dobson admitted that the team had feared the worst, given the current emphasis on player safety and strict officiating standards.
“I haven’t seen it enough to comment on what the impact is,” Dobson said post-match. “He was stuck. I don’t think he was trying to hit him with the shoulder… I think he was trying to turn.
“The implications, I’m sure, are going to be poor for us. I’ve got no doubt. We can’t appeal until there is a decision. I don’t see them overturning that. It’s a disaster for us.”
With a key player sidelined during the knockout stages, the Stormers will need to dig deep as they chase URC glory.
URC Quarter-Final Line-Up
Match: Glasgow Warriors versus Stormers
Venue: Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow
Date: Friday, 30 May
Kick Off: 19:35 UK / 20:35 SA
Match: Bulls (1.06) versus Edinburgh (8.40)
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Date: Saturday, 31 May
Kick Off: 12:30 UK / 13:30 SA
Match: Leinster (1.01) versus Scarlets (12.00)
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Date: Saturday, 31 May
Kick Off: 15:00 UK / 16:00 SA
Match: Sharks (1.38) versus Munster (3.15)
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Date: Saturday, 31 May
Kick Off: 17:30 UK / 18:30 SA
Fans and punters are in for a treat. These matchups are ideal for those interested in online sports betting, given the odds and unpredictable nature of all eight teams.
