Daniel Kasende has been banned for foul play in the clash between the Cheetahs and Oyonnax, and is set to miss the Challenge Cup last 16 tie against Clermont.

The winger was cited by the match commissioner Eric Jara Literas for striking No 8 Loic Godener with his forearm in a dangerous manner in the 54th minute of the Challenge Cup match in France last week.

Cheetahs flyer Munier Hartzenberg on Wednesday was suspended for two weeks for tackling Oyonnax fullback Maxime Salles in the air. Kasende was earlier yellow-carded by referee Anthony Woodthorpe for a similar hit in the defeat for the Free Staters at the Stade Charles-Mathon.

“Law 9.11: A player must not do anything that is reckless or dangerous to others, including leading with the elbow or forearm,” stated the EPCR in a statement on Thursday.

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Kasende acknowledged the foul play but contested that the act warranted a red card. The independent disciplinary committee, led by Katherine Mackie, Mirian Tavzarashvili and Tony Wheat studied video evidence and also heard submissions from Cheetahs director of rugby, Frans Steyn, team manager Ashwell Rafferty and from EPCR disciplinary officer Liam McTiernan.

Despite Kasende’s exemplary disciplinary record, the committee upheld the citing complaint, imposing a three-week suspension.

As it stands, the speedster is unavailable for the Cheetahs’ Challenge Cup clash against Clermont on 6 April. Completion of the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme could reduce the sanction and Kasende will be free to play from 1 April.

Photo: Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix