Jasper Wiese could be suspended for July’s Test series between the Springboks and Ireland after being red carded in his Premiership farewell.

Wiese could miss the two-Test series through suspension after seeing red in his final performance for the Leicester Tigers on Saturday.

The World Cup-winning No 8 was given his marching orders by referee Karl Dickson for a dangerous cleanout on Exeter Chiefs loose forward Ross Vintcent in the 68th-minute of the clash.

Wiese and the Springboks now face a nervous wait over the outcome of the pending disciplinary hearing, which could see him banned for anywhere between one and six games.

As Leicester Tigers failed to qualify for the Premiership playoffs, any significant ban would see Wiese miss the July Test series against Ireland.

Wiese would be unable to play for the Springboks in the opening Test of the year against Wales at Twickenham on 22 June, as it falls outside of the official Test window, so that game might not be included in his suspension.

Following Duane Vermeulen’s retirement, Wiese has been seen as the natural successor at No 8 for the Springboks, having replaced Vermeulen off the bench in the 2023 World Cup final in Paris.

However, a potential ban would prompt a re-think for Rassie Erasmus, who would need to test a locally-based No 8 against Wales in any event.

Kwagga Smith, Evan Roos and Elrigh Louw are options at No 8 with previous Test experience, while Erasmus could also turn to uncapped Francke Horn and Cameron Hanekom, who have been outstanding for the Lions and Vodacom Bulls this season.

Photo: Bradley Collyer/PA/BackpagePix

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Src: sarugbymag.co.za