De Jager loses appeal against four-week ban

The Springboks suffered on Thursday when lock Lood de Jager's appeal against his four-week ban was dismissed by the disciplinary committee.

De Jager was banned for four weeks over an illegal tackle on France’s Thomas Ramos that was deemed a permanent red.

This was despite him showing that his arm had hit Ramos’s arm before the head contact.

After Franco Mostert’s red card was rescinded by a disciplinary committee on Wednesday, there was hope that De Jager’s ban would either be expunged or lowered, but the appeals committee found there was no grounds for this.

“South Africa No 5, Lood de Jager appeared before an independent Appeal Committee last evening via video link having lodged an appeal against his initial sanction for an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.13 in the match between South Arica v France on Saturday 8th November 2025,” the disciplinary committee status said.

“The independent Appeal Committee was chaired by Christopher Quinlan KC, joined by Roger Morris (Wales) and Becky Essex (England).

“On review of the case that was presented to the Disciplinary Committee and having considered submissions advanced on behalf of the Appellant, the Appeal Committee dismissed the appeal against the finding that he committed an act of foul play which merited a red card and also against the suspension.”

De Jager will therefore still be banned for three weeks after being ineligible to play last week.