South Africa captain John Smit has been suspended for six weeks by the International Rugby Union following his tackle on France captain Jerome Thion when the sides met on Saturday.
Smit was cited by Independent Citing Commissioner David Gray of New Zealand for the incident, and attended a disciplinary meeting in Paris along with Andy Marinos, manager of national teams at SA Rugby.
Afterwards, Smit insisted he had no intention of hurting Thion, but said he was satisfied with the outcome of the hearing.
"I received a fair hearing and want to wish Jerome a speedy recovery," he told www.sarugby.net.
Smit’s suspension will begin on January 14 next year, the opening day of the new season in South Africa. He will be able to return on February 26.
Thion suffered a serious larynx injury in the incident, which occurred 13 minutes into France’s 26-20 win. Smit’s forearm connected with Thion’s throat as he ran at the Frenchman after a line-out.
Thion initially played on but was clearly hurt and was replaced by Gregory Lamboley in the 24th minute.
Thion was taken to the Percy de Clamart hospital for observation after suffering breathing difficulties. He has been diagnosed with a fractured larynx and will be out for at least six weeks.
