Springboks winger and Sharks player, Makazole Mapimpi will miss three of the team’s United Rugby Championship (URC) games after being suspended following an eye gouge incident during a match between the Sharks and Cardiff on 25 January 2025.
This emanates from a scuffle between Mapimpi and Cardiff hooker, Efan Daniel in a game that the Sharks won by 42-22 at Cardiff Ams Park Stadium in Wales.
Although he was not immediately punished, he was subjected to a disciplinary process.
“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, shoulder, head or knees, stamping, trampling, tripping, or kicking,” read a statement of the ruling by the URC.
The press release also highlighted that Mapimpi admitted to foul play.
“Judicial Officer, David Martin, found that the incident met the red card threshold, with a lower end entry point warranting four weeks.
Player received two weeks (50%) mitigation due to his apology and full engaged participation in the disciplinary process.
The player was previously cited for a similar offence in EPCR in 2022/2023 season which resulted in suspension.
Therefore, considered an aggravating factor, warranting a further one-week sanction.
This results in a three-game suspension,” added the statement.
Mapimpi will miss the upcoming Sharks’ encounters against Vodacom Bulls scheduled for Saturday 15 February and two back-to-back clashes against Emirates Lions set for 1 March and 8 March 2025.
