Bothma ban big blow for Namibia

Firebrand loose forward Renaldo Bothma was suspended for two weeks, after admitting to making a dangerous tackle in the 16-17 loss to Georgia earlier this week.

That means he will be withdrawn from the matchday squad for his team's last Pool C match – against the Pumas in Leicester.

Bothma received a yellow card for tackling flyhalf Lasha Malaguradze around the neck and then yanking him down in the build-up to Georgia's first try of the match in Exeter this past Wednesday.

Following a hearing, he was suspended by judicial officer Alan Hudson of Canada.

With respect to the sanction, Hudson deemed the tackle merited a low-end sanction of two weeks, and added one week to deter dangerous play.

Then he took into account Bothma's conduct, remorse, character and clear disciplinary record.

In the context of the World Cup, one week equates to one match. After the tournament, the suspension reverts to weeks, meaning Bothma misses one match for his club side Verblitz in Japan, and is free to resume playing on November 15.

The player has 48 hours in which to appeal from the time he receives the full decision.