Bakkies suspended for 3 weeks

Sydney - Bulls lock Bakkies Botha has been suspended for three Super 14 matches over an incident in the weekend game against the NSW Waratahs in Sydney, officials said on Monday.

The Springbok forward was charged with striking and appeared before judicial officer Dennis Wheelahan along with members of the Bulls' team management and legal representatives.

Evidence tendered at the hearing included video footage supplied by the match broadcasters.

Wheelahan categorised the offence as mid-range, which could incur a five week penalty, SANZAR, the ruling body for rugby union in the southern hemisphere, said in a statement.

But after taking into account mitigating circumstances, the suspension was reduced to three weeks.

Botha will miss matches against the Brumbies in Canberra, the Chiefs in Pretoria and the Force in another home fixture in South Africa. He has the right to appeal.

The Bulls beat the Waratahs 20-6 to move to third in the Super 14 standings.