Stormers' appeal falls flat - Neethling Fouche's ban stays put

By SABC Sport
11th April 2025

The Stormers have failed in their bid to overturn a four-match suspension to tighthead prop Neethling Fouche, as a URC appeal panel firmly upheld the original ban following his red card against Ulster.

The incident in question came during a bruising Round 14 clash at Kingspan Stadium, where Fouche was sent off after a controversial tackle on centre Ben Carson. With TMO stepping in for a frame-by-frame breakdown, the hit was ruled dangerous - despite replays showing Carson's head was already low and locked up by teammate Conor Evans, making a clean wrap by Fouche nearly impossible.

Referee Andrea Piardi didn't hesitate after the review and flashed red, setting off a wave of debate.

The Stormers, unhappy with the judgment and citing Fouche's clean record - just one technical yellow in 77 URC appearances - launched a formal appeal. But the panel wasn't moved. The original decision stands: guilty of foul play, four matches on the sideline.

"The appeal panel upheld the original disciplinary panel decision," confirmed the URC on Thursday.

There's a small silver lining: the 32-year-old prop can shave a week off the ban if he completes a World Rugby coaching intervention course. Still, he'll miss the rest of the Stormers' URC league campaign-a major blow as the team looks to secure a playoff spot.

In a twist of fate, Munster's Alex Nankivell had far better luck with the appeals process. His own red card from the Connacht game was overturned, clearing him to suit up against Bordeaux-BÃƒ¨gles in Saturday's Champions Cup clash. Nankivell's original two-match ban was tossed by a fresh disciplinary panel after he already served one match out.

So while the URC's disciplinary roulette spins on, it's heartbreak for Fouche and the Stormers-justice, it seems, depends on who's spinning the wheel.