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Stormers appeal Investec Champions Cup ban decision

The South African franchise are disputing the three-match ban handed to hooker JJ Kotze for his red card against Bristol, and a disciplinary hearing will now take place on Wednesday.

Published: Wednesday, 21 October 2026 at 8:56 AM
Stormers appeal Investec Champions Cup ban decision
Key Things to Know
  • The DHL Stormers are appealing a three-match suspension handed to hooker JJ Kotze.
  • Kotze received a 20-minute red card for a head-on-head tackle on Bristol scrum-half Kieran Marmion.
  • The Stormers defeated Bristol 49-12 despite the red card, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu converting seven tries.
The Story in 60 Seconds

The DHL Stormers are disputing a three-match ban issued to hooker JJ Kotze following a red card against Bristol Bears in the Champions Cup. Kotze was dismissed in the 33rd minute by referee Kevin Bralley for a dangerous tackle on Kieran Marmion. Despite the dismissal, the Stormers secured a 49-12 victory, but the club has refused the Foul Play Review Committee's proposed sanction, sending the matter to a Wednesday hearing.

Elsewhere, Toulouse accepted a three-match suspension for prop Rodrigue Neti after his red card in a 43-40 victory over Exeter Chiefs. Neti was disciplined for a tackle on Ross Vintcent and could reduce his ban via World Rugby's Coaching Intervention Programme.

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