Four-week ban for Sharks flyhalf

Sharks flyhalf Andrew James has been suspended for four weeks for his high tackle on the Bulls' Jurgen Visser at Loftus Versfeld.

The SANZAR Duty Judicial Officer Jannie Lubbe accepted a guilty plea from James for contravening Law 10.4 (e) Dangerous Tackling.

James, who has been disciplined regularly throughout his career for his overly aggressive defensive style, was shown a yellow card by referee Jason Jaftha - after he went airborn in an attempt to execute a head high for the tackle on Bulls rival Jurgen Visser in the 72nd minute of the match.

A teleconference was held where Rudolf Straeuli of the Sharks made submissions on behalf of James with the Sharks team manager Trevor Barnes also in attendance on the call.

Lubbe determined that the player should be suspended for a period of four weeks from 6 July up to and including 4 August.