Stormers prop Fouché handed four-match URC ban

THE Stormers' United Rugby Championship playoff hopes are already in dire straits, and now they have received another blow with the suspension of prop Neethling Fouché.

- ASHFAK MOHAMED

The URC announced late on Friday night that the 32-year-old front-rower has been handed four matches for his dangerous tackle against Ulster in the 38-34 defeat in Belfast last week Friday.

Fouché was desperately unlucky to receive a red card on the night by referee Andrew Brace as he was on his knees in an attempt to tackle Ulster centre Ben Carson in the 45th minute.

The referee and TMO deliberated and felt that Fouché did not wrap his arms around Carson in the tackle and his right shoulder made contact with the Ulster player's head.

Stormers lock Ernst van Rhyn was involved in the tackle before Fouché, though, and Carson had also dropped his head lower just before making contact with the two tacklers.