UPDATE: Stormers intend to appeal Adre Smith's 8 game ban

Stormers lock Adré Smith faced a Disciplinary Hearing on Thursday via video conference and has been banned for 8 weeks.

A Disciplinary Panel convened via videoconference to consider the citing against Adré Smith resulting from the Round 2 United Rugby Championship fixture against Munster Rugby on October 2, 2021.

The player received a Citing complaint under Law 9.12 – A player must not physically or verbally abuse anyone. Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to, biting, punching, contact with the eye or eye area, striking with any part of the arm (including stiff-arm tackles), shoulder, head or knee(s), stamping, trampling, tripping or kicking.

He was found guilty of biting Munster hooker Niall Scannell. Referee Andrew Brace referred the incident to the TMO during last weekend’s match in Thomond Park, with Munster captain Peter O’Mahoney telling him that Scannell “has got a full-on bite mark.” Scannell had been involved in a tussle on the deck with Smith, which resulted in Smith allegedly biting the hooker’s thigh. However, neither Brace nor the TMO felt there was enough evidence to take action during the game.

The Disciplinary Panel, comprising of Sheriff Kathrine Mackie, Iain Leslie (both Scotland) and Janet Gedrych (Wales) upheld the citing after the player failed to prove on the balance of probabilities that foul play had not occured and selected a low-range entry point. The Player’s previous record and behaviour during the process were considered and mitigation of 30% was applied.

As a result, the Player has been banned for a period of 8 games. He is free to play from midnight on Sunday, February 13th, 2022.

UPDATE:

The Stormers have confirmed that they intend to appeal the eight-week suspension handed to lock Adré Smith.

'Smith has the right to appeal the decision and intends to exercise that right once the written findings of the hearing have been provided.' a statement from the side read.