Botha Picks Up 3-Week Ban for Saracens Red Card

Munster back row Arno Botha has been suspended for three weeks following his red card against Saracens in last weekend’s Champions Clash at Thomond Park.

French Referee Romaine Poite sent off the former Springbok in the 80th minute for leading with the forearm into Nick Tompkins during Munsters dour 10-3 win.

An independent disciplinary committee found Botha guilty of reckless striking with the arm and imposed a six-week penalty, reduced by 50% due to a guilty plea and expression of remorse.

Botha will now miss Saturday’s return fixture with Saracens and the interprovincial clashes with Connacht (21 December) and Leinster (28 December) but will be eligible to face Ulster on 3 January.

Giving their team selection Mark McCall’s side eked out an unlikely losing bonus point in Limerick which still keeps qualification in their own hands. It is widely expected that Owen Farrell, George Kruis, Elliot Daly, Liam Williams, Billy & Mako Vunipola will return this weekend for the crucial encounter.