Rugby
Springbok hardman Wiese faces lengthy ban─── MORGAN PIEK 10:46 Mon, 14 Jul 2025
Springbok eighth-man Jasper Wiese is facing a potentially lengthy ban following his straight red card during the second Test against Italy in Gqeberha on Saturday.
In a heated moment during the 22nd minute of the match, the former Cheetahs loose forward headbutted Italian loosehead prop Danilo Fischetti.
Although the Boks went on to thrash the Azzurri 45–0 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, the incident denied Wiese the opportunity to be on the field when his younger brother, Cobus, made his Springbok debut.
Love Wiese but that is a straight red and a lengthy ban. ????pic.twitter.com/jD8XFhelZC
— Steven Dickens (@StevenDickens3) July 12, 2025
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus said the team would stand by Wiese and support him through the process. “Obviously, Jasper will have his view on what happened and why it happened,” Erasmus said.
“I'm not in a position to judge whether it was right or wrong, or how serious it was. Jasper will have to handle it now, and we’ll support him as best we can.
“He’s incredibly committed and passionate about the team. It would’ve been really special for him to play alongside his brother, which sadly didn’t happen.
“He’s not the kind of guy who goes out there with bad intentions. I don’t want to say anything that could influence the disciplinary process either way because I’m not 100% sure how it will be judged or what the best way forward is.
“But we’ll give him all the support and legal assistance we possibly can.”
Wiese has taken responsibility for the incident and apologised for letting the team down, while also praising his teammates for their resilience in playing nearly an hour with 14 men.
Jasper Wiese to miss the Springboks’ series against Ireland after getting a six-match ban for this. pic.twitter.com/wC2uJjQ1Ld
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) May 23, 2024
“I know I let the team down. Well done to the guys for grinding it out – it’s not easy playing with 14, and they showed real grit today. A silly moment from me,” he admitted.
Wiese will still have to appear before a disciplinary committee that will decide his fate. Unfortunately for the Upington-born player, he doesn't have a spotless record, having been suspended in the past. His hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Boks have now headed to the Lowveld where they will be in action against Georgia on Saturday in Nelspruit. This Test is scheduled to kick off at 17:10.
