Franco Mostert's Red Card Rescinded, Available for Ireland Clash

Springbok lock Franco Mostert’s red card against Italy has been rescinded by the Six Nations disciplinary committee.

The Springbok lock received the red card for a supposed dangerous tackle on Italian fly-half Paolo Garbisi in the 12th minute, which reduced the World Cup champions to 14 men for the majority of the game.

Despite that disadvantage, the Springboks still triumphed 32-14 at the Allianz Stadium in Turin this past weekend.

Despite the initial contact being on Garbisi’s chest and the initial tackle coming from centre Ethan Hooker, referee James Doleman, his assistants, and the TMO saw no mitigation, despite plenty of it, and decided to issue the player a permanent red card.

The Six Nations, who are the organisers of the Autumn Nations Series, found that the match officials had erred in issuing the card and therefore downgraded Mostert’s red card to a yellow card instead. They confirmed that Mostert is free to play immediately for the Springboks.

Mostert’s legal team was able to prove that there was no contact with the head of the ball-carrier.

Following this update, it will be interesting to see if coach Rassie Erasmus considers Mostert for squad selection for the game on Thursday against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

The report adds that Lood de Jager may also be available for selection against Ireland, with the 32-year-old lock opting to appeal his four-game ban following his red card against France. His hearing is set for Wednesday morning.