Benetton will be without their first-choice flyhalf for Saturday’s final round URC clash against the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus.
Jacob Umaga has been handed a four-match suspension following his red card for a dangerous tackle on Makazole Mapimpi during Benetton’s heavy defeat to the Sharks in Durban.
Umaga was sent off in the 38th minute at Kings Park after making high contact with Mapimpi, who had to be helped off the field in a medical cart.
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A URC disciplinary hearing found that Umaga had breached Law 9.13, which prohibits players from tackling an opponent dangerously above the line of the shoulders.
The flyhalf accepted that his actions warranted a red card.
Judicial Officer Ben Rutherford ruled that the offence merited a mid-range entry point of six weeks.
Umaga received the maximum 50% mitigation, reducing the sanction by three weeks, due to his apology, acceptance of the red card and good conduct during the disciplinary process.
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However, one week was added because of his previous disciplinary record, resulting in a final suspension of four matches.
The 26-year-old will also be unavailable for Samoa’s fixtures against Chile XV, Hong Kong and Georgia.
Photo: Timothy Rogers/Getty Images
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