South Africa lock Lood de Jager loses appeal against red card ahead of Quilter Nations Series clash with Ireland
Updated 20/11/2025 at 18:13 GMT
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South Africa have been handed a blow ahead of their Quilter Nations Series clash with Ireland following confirmation from an independent appeal committee that lock Lood de Jager's four-game suspension will not be overturned. The 32-year-old was sent off in South Africa's 32-17 win over France. The Springboks will also be without Franco Mostert, who was shown red against Italy.
De Jager receives permanent red for 'intentional and reckless' head-high tackle
Video credit: TNT Sports
Lood de Jager has lost his appeal against a four-match suspension for a red card against France in the Quilter Nations Series.
The South Africa lock was sent off for a tackle on Thomas Ramos, deemed illegal by the match officials because his shoulder made contact with the side of the France full-back's head.
De Jager cited a drop in height from his opponent as mitigation, but an independent appeal committee decided the original decision should stand.
"On review of the case that was presented to the disciplinary committee and having considered submissions advanced on behalf of the appellant, the appeal committee dismissed the appeal against the finding that he committed an act of foul play which merited a red card and also against the suspension," a statement said.
It means De Jager will be banned for The Springboks' final two Quilter Nations Series fixtures, against Ireland in Dublin this Saturday and Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, November 29 - both live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Bulls lock Ruan Nortje will start against Ireland in De Jager's absence. The 27-year-old has been capped 16 times since making his debut in 2022.
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'We've got to deal with the consequences' - panel discuss controversial South Africa red card
Video credit: TNT Sports
Nortje will partner Eben Etzebeth at lock, while RG Snyman could earn his 50th cap if introduced from the bench.
Wing Canan Moodie has also been selected after Kurt-Lee Arendse sustained a concussion.
South Africa will also be without Franco Mostert, who was sent off 12 minutes into his side's 32-14 win over Italy in Turin last weekend.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus rested several players for the win over Italy in preparation for Saturday's clash with Ireland.
"The majority of this team were rested last week to ensure that they recover from the physically taxing match against France, and it was always our plan to name an experienced outfit against Ireland," Erasmus said in his pre-match press conference.
"Most of these players have faced Ireland in Dublin, as well as in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and Castle Lager Incoming Series, so they understand the magnitude of this challenge and what to expect from the hosts. So, we believe this is the right group of players for this match."
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Erasmus added: "Ireland have been among the top-ranked teams in the last few years, and they are a force to be reckoned with at home.
"They have a good balance of experienced and exciting young players in their squad, and they pose threats up-front and with their talented backs, so it’s going to require a massive effort to beat them.
"This group of players have never won a match in Ireland before, so we know how tough it’s going to be to win here, and that will certainly motivate us. It will take a colossal effort, but we are excited about the challenge, and we know that we have to be razor sharp in all departments to get the desired result."
Watch and stream every game of the Quilter Nations Series live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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