Stormers lock Adre Smith could face a lengthy ban if he is found guilty of biting Munster hooker Niall Scannell today.
The 24-year-old was cited for “physically or verbally abusing” an opponent in last weekend’s 34-18 United Rugby Championship (URC) defeat to Munster.
While Smith, who signed from Griquas at the start of the tournament, escaped punishment on the field in his run-on debut after Scanell claimed he was bitten in the 45th minute, he will face a disciplinary committee today.
A statement released by the URC yesterday reads: “A Disciplinary Committee will meet on Thursday, October 7 to consider the citing complaint against Adre Smith (No.4) of Stormers which occurred against Munster Rugby on Saturday, October 2.
“The incident occurred in the 45th minute of the United Rugby Championship Round 2 fixture.
“The Citing Commissioner has made a complaint about an alleged foul play against an opponent Niall Scannell.
“The Player has been cited 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.
“The Player will face a Disciplinary Panel via videoconferenc...”
If found guilty, Smith faces a minimum 12-week suspension.
The Stormers, meanwhile, are also sweating on the fitness of flyhalf Manie Libbok and scrumhalf Stefan Ungerer as they gear up to face Scotland’s Edinburgh on the weekend.