News - AU Rugby
Stormers winger Leolin Zas banned for two weeks for aerial challenge
ESPN staff
May 2, 2016
© Carl Fourie/Gallo Images

Stormers winger Leolin Zas has become the latest player to be suspended for a poor aerial challenge, copping a two-week ban for taking out Bernard Foley on Saturday night in Cape Town.

Zas was sent off following the collision in the 52nd minute, referee Mike Fraser deeming the challenge worthy of a red card following a consultation with the Television Match Official.

While Zas appeared to slip before making contact with Foley, the Waratahs No.10 finished up landing awkwardly on his face.

"I found it was a lower end offence on the basis that the video footage showed the player's right foot slipping as he was readying to compete for the ball in the air," SANZAAR judicial officer Nigel Hampton said in his report.

"This resulted in him moving on through and under the opposing player, causing that player to fall dangerously to the ground. Fortunately the opposing player was uninjured. The low end entry point for the sanction was a three week suspension.

"There were no aggravating factors.

"As to mitigation, I took into account the player's youth and his early guilty plea, as well as his already expressed apology and his contrition. I allowed a reduction of one week, making a suspension from all rugby of two weeks, up to and including Saturday 14 May 2016."

Zas' suspension follows that given to Highlanders back Jason Emery who was given four weeks on the sidelines for his nasty collision with Sharks full-back Willie le Roux.

There was a further incident from Round 10 of Super Rugby with the Kings' Luzuko Vulindu yellow-carded for taking out the Jaguares' Emiliano Boffelli.

Vulindu has not been suspended.

© ESPN staff

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