One-week ban for Stormers prop

Stormers prop Steven Kitshoff has been suspended for one week for foul play in his team's 35-22 win over the table-topping Brumbies at the weekend.

A SANZAR judicial hearing found Kitshoff guilty of contravening Law 10.4 (e): Dangerous Tackling - after he was cited for wrapping his arms around the head of an opponent and twisting his neck.

The incident occurred in the 61st minute of the match between the Stormers and Brumbies at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town last Saturday.

Kitshoff has been suspended for one week up to and including March 31.

He will miss the Stormers' Round Seven encounter with the Crusaders, at Newlands this coming Saturday.

The SANZAR judicial hearing, held by video conference, was heard by Adam Casselden.

In his finding, Casselden ruled the following: "I have found that Kitshoff did grasp Brumbies #10 [Matt Toomua] around the neck gripping him between both arms in a 'headlock' and then brought him to ground.

"This placed the Brumbies player in a vulnerable position and the risk of serious injury was obvious.

"I therefore found that on the balance of probabilities that Kitshoff did execute a tackle above the line of Brumbies #10's shoulder around his neck in breach of Law 10.4 (e). Law 10.4 (e) provides that a tackle around an opponent's neck or head is dangerous.

"Accordingly, I upheld the citing and found the offence made out.

"I have found that the entry point was at the low end.

"This dictates a suspension of two weeks.

"Taking mitigating factors into account I am satisfied that the two-week entry point of suspension should be reduced to one week.

"Accordingly I suspended Kitshoff from all forms of Rugby up to and including March 31."