South Africa's Jasper Wiese has been suspended for four matches for a red card offence contrary to Law 9.12 (striking with the head). The red card was issued in South Africa's match against Italy on 12 July, 2025. 

The independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) met on Sunday, 13 July and was chaired by Roddy Dunlop KC, joined by former players Jamie Corsi (Wales) and Olly Kohn (Wales). In accordance with the remit of the new expedited off-field sanction process trial operational in the July internationals, sanctions are proposed in line with Appendix 1 of Regulation 17. The FPRC meets without the attendance the player or their representatives, or World Rugby. However, written submissions may be provided by the player to the FPRC for consideration.

The FPRC has the power to:

  • Issue a warning
  • Offer the player a proposed sanction based on Appendix 1 of Regulation 17
  • Refer the matter for a full hearing before a Disciplinary Committee
  • Dismiss the red card and/or citings only in the case of mistaken identity

The FPRC decided to refer the matter for a full hearing before a Disciplinary Committee.

The Disciplinary Committee met on Tuesday, 15 July, 2025 and was chaired by Rhian Willians (Wales), joined by former international match officials Donal Courtney (Ireland) and Valeriu Tomu (Romania).

The player accepted that foul play had occurred but did not accept that the offence warranted a red card.

The Disciplinary Committee considered the player’s submissions, along with the clips and other available evidence and found that the red card was upheld. While the red card issued was for Law 9.11 (a player must not do anything reckless or dangerous), the Committee agreed that the offence should be 9.12 (striking with the head).

The Committee considered the appropriate entry point for the offending and decided that the offence warranted a low-end entry point of six matches. Having considered submissions as regards mitigation, the Committee decided on a final sanction of four matches. 

The player is therefore suspended for the following matches:

  • 19 July, 2025 - South Africa v Georgia
  • 16 August, 2025 - South Africa v Australia
  • 23 August, 2025 - South Africa v Australia
  • 6 September, 2025 - New Zealand v South Africa

Because the Disciplinary Committee sat as first instance hearing body, the player has 48 hours to appeal from receipt of the full written decision.

Read more about the expedited off-field sanction process here.

Visit World Rugby’s disciplinary hub here.