SANZAR appeal Steyn verdict

SANZAR has lodged an appeal against the outcome of the Sharks utility back Frans Steyn judicial hearing, held on Monday 23 this week.

Steyn was found 'not guilty' of contravening Law 10.4 (j).

At the original SANZAR judicial hearing South African-based chairman Jannie Lubbe ruled in favour of Steyn, who was red-carded for the spear/tip-tackle in the Sharks' 12-11 Super Rugby win over the Chiefs last week.

The new three-man panel to hear the SANZAR appeal will comprise Australian-based Terry Willis (chairman), with Nigel Hampton (New Zealand) and Robert Stelzner (South Africa).

They will hear the appeal via video conference on Friday, March 27.

The 27-year-old Steyn, who is scheduled to play against the Western Force in Durban on Saturday, faced a SANZAR judicial hearing, after he was red-carded in the Round Six encounter in Durban.

The tackle, which was double-teamed with Cobus Reinach, took place after 28 minutes had passed.

It was a controversial moment, after TMO Marius Jonker recommended only a yellow card, to referee Angus Gardner.

However, the Australian - after reviewing the incident on the big screen and consulting with assistant referee Marius van der Westhuizen - issued a red card, his third of the match.