South Africa flanker Lerato Makua was cited for an alleged breach of Law 9.12 (biting) in South Africa’s match against England on 23 October, 2022. The hearing was held on 3 November, 2022, at the player’s request, following the team’s return to South Africa after their exit from Rugby World Cup 2021.
The independent Disciplinary Committee was chaired by judicial officer Helen Morgan (New Zealand), joined by former international players David Croft (Australia) and Ofisa Tonu’u (New Zealand).
The player admitted the act of foul play. The Committee reviewed all of the evidence and determined that the act of foul play merited a low-range entry point of 12 matches. Taking into account the player’s excellent disciplinary record and the mitigating factors under Regulation 17, the Committee granted the player the full mitigation of 50 per cent, resulting in a sanction of six matches which will be applied to the player’s upcoming schedule following confirmation to the Disciplinary Committee.
The player and World Rugby have a right of appeal having received the full written decision, which appears here.
Click here to watch the video that explains how rugby’s disciplinary process works.
Visit World Rugby’s dedicated disciplinary process education and information page here.
