Springbok Ruan Venter cops four-game ban for high shot on Aphelele Fassi

The flanker was initially shown a yellow card by referee Chris Allison after his shoulder made contact with Sharks’ fullback Aphelele Fassi’s face in a dynamic tackle situation. However, the bunker system upgraded it to a 20 minute red card and Venter was off for good.

The Lions went on to score a try at the death to secure a memorable 23-22 victory.

On Wednesday, the United Rugby Championship disciplinary board handed down their sentencing.

"After an act of foul play by Lions player No 7 (Ruan Venter), referee Christopher Allison showed the Player a Red Card in the 38th minute of the game under Law 9.13 – A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously," reads the disciplinary verdict.

"Dangerous tackling includes, but is not limited to, tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the shoulders even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders.

"In the Player’s responses to the Judicial Officer overseeing the disciplinary process (Ms. Rhian Williams), he had accepted that he had committed an act of foul play which warranted a Red Card. Ms. Williams found that the incident met the Red Card threshold, with entry of mid-range warranting six weeks. The Player received two weeks mitigation due to his acceptance, remorse and exemplary conduct throughout the disciplinary process which results in a four game suspension."

Fixtures Ruan Venter is unavailable for:

Lions v Lyon Olympique Universitaire, Saturday 10 January 2026, Challenge Cup

USA Perpignan v Lions, Saturday 17 January 2026, Challenge Cup

Ospreys v Lions, Friday 23 January 2026, URC

Lions v Vodacom Bulls, Saturday 31 January, URC