Update: Steyn free to face Munster

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Springbok flyhalf Morné Steyn and Sharks scrumhalf Grant Williams have completed their respective bans following their World Rugby coaching intervention courses.

The Bulls flyhalf Steyn along with Sharks' Williams were both suspended by a Panel after being red-carded in the United Rugby Championship Round 12 game between the Sharks and Bulls on February 12.

Steyn was handed his marching orders by referee AJ Jacobs in the 12th minute of the game under Law 9.13 – A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously. Dangerous tackling includes, but is not limited to, tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the shoulders even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders.

While the 25-year-old  was shown a red card in the 61st minute of the game under Law 9.13.

In Steyn's case, the disciplinary panel considered all of the evidence available and concluded that the referee’s decision to issue the red card was not wrong and so upheld the red card. The Panel determined that the entry point be mid-range which carried a suspension of six weeks.

The veteran did accept that he had committed an act of foul play but did not accept that it warranted a red card. The Panel considered the Player’s previous good record and admittance to a late and high tackle, and determined that it would reduce the sanction by three weeks.

While Williams did not accept that the act of foul play warranted a Red Card, the Panel determined that he was not entitled to full (50 percent) mitigation.

Nonethless, both players have since successfully taken part in the World Rugby HPC Coaching Intervention process, where they can undergo a coaching session to modify their technique or behaviours. This process is overseen by an independent expert coaching review group, which have reduced the bans by a further week.

Both players are now free to play as of Sunday, March 6.

This is good news for the South African franchises, especially with the Bulls facing Munster and the  Sharks hosting Scarlets.