Bulls prop Schoeman sentenced for biting

Bulls prop Pierre Schoeman has been given a six-week ban for biting Rebels back-rower Richard Hardwick.

Schoeman was cited for an incident in the second half of the Bulls’ 28-10 Super Rugby victory at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

The Edinburgh-bound forward pleaded guilty during a SANZAAR judicial hearing held via video conference on Tuesday and has been banned until June 2.

Given Bulls are not in action in week 16, Schoeman will have to wait until after the June Test window to make his comeback.

Judicial Committee Chairman Adam Casselden SC said: “Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Attie Heyns, the Judicial Committee accepted the player’s guilty plea and upheld the citing under Law 9.12 – A Player must not physically abuse anyone. Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to biting.

“With respect to sanction the Judicial Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a low-end entry point of 12 weeks.

“However, taking into account mitigating factors including the player’s early guilty plea, his good character, his good disciplinary record and his remorse the Judicial Committee reduced the suspension to a period of six weeks.”