Lood de Jager Suspended For Rest Of 2025 Test Season After Red Card Incident

Springbok lock Lood de Jager’s 2025 Test season has come to an abrupt end after he was handed a four-match suspension for foul play during South Africa’s win over France in Paris last weekend.

Red Card Overshadows A Big Win

De Jager’s dismissal came in the 38th minute of the Springboks’ Quilter Nations Series clash at the Stade de France, when his shoulder made direct contact with the head of French full-back Thomas Ramos. Referee Angus Gardner, after reviewing the incident with the TMO, deemed it a clear case for a straight red card.

Despite being reduced to 14 men for the remainder of the game, Rassie Erasmus’ men pulled off a commanding 32–17 victory over Les Bleus. But the triumph was quickly followed by uncertainty over De Jager’s future availability.

Independent Committee Delivers Its Verdict

On Tuesday, an independent World Rugby disciplinary panel chaired by Ireland’s Jennifer Donovan confirmed the red card and imposed a mid-range sanction of six weeks, later reduced to four due to mitigating factors such as De Jager’s good conduct during the hearing.

However, because he did not plead guilty, he was unable to receive the full three-week reduction available under World Rugby’s sanctioning framework. The ruling means he will miss South Africa’s remaining Tests of 2025 against Italy, Ireland and Wales.

A Costly Lesson In Discipline

De Jager’s foul play fell under Law 9.16, which prohibits charging or tackling without attempting to grasp an opponent. Since his tackle involved head contact, the committee deemed it automatically serious enough to warrant a mid-range entry point.

While the 32-year-old has a largely clean disciplinary recordhis last suspension dates back to 2016the panel decided that the nature of this particular incident warranted significant time out of the game.

He will only return to competitive rugby for Japan’s Saitama Wild Knights on December 14, provided he completes World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention Programme.

What This Means For The Springboks

With De Jager sidelined, the Boks still have strong depth at lock. Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, RG Snyman and Ruan Nortje are all available, while Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ben-Jason Dixon can provide cover if necessary.

Erasmus also has reinforcements on standby, including Salmaan Moerat, Juarno Augustus, Neethling Fouché, Bongi Mbonambi, Evan Roos and Vincent Tshituka.

While fans have voiced mixed reactions onlinesome calling the red card “harsh” and others insisting World Rugby’s player safety rules must be applied consistentlymost agree that South Africa’s defensive depth can absorb the loss.

A Familiar Challenge

For Erasmus and his coaching team, managing discipline will remain a major focus as the Springboks continue their end-of-year tour. De Jager’s absence, while disappointing, offers other locks a chance to prove themselves ahead of next year’s Rugby Championship.

It’s an untimely setback for the veteran second-rower, but one that underscores the fine margins between physical dominance and foul play in modern Test rugby.”

For More Rugby News and Updates Follow: SA Rugby Mag

{Source:SABC Sport}

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