South Africa star cited after red card as three players face disciplinary hearings

Lochner was shown a red card following a review by the Foul Play Review Office during South Africa’s match against Wales on Friday.

The incident was ruled to be contrary to Law 9.13 – dangerous tackling, with her initial sanction upgraded to a red card.

The decision comes during a busy period for the Springbok Women, who entered the competition with several major challenges facing them in the WXV Global Series.

Lochner’s case will now move through the disciplinary process.

Lochner was not the only player sent off during the latest round of matches.

France duo Ambre Mwayembe and Cloe Correa were both shown red cards during their clash with Australia on Saturday.

Mwayembe’s sanction was upgraded by the Foul Play Review Officer for an offence contrary to Law 9.13, dangerous tackling.

Correa, meanwhile, received a permanent red card for an offence under Law 9.12, which covers physical abuse and includes contact with the eye or eye area.

Despite their disciplinary problems, France still managed to defeat Australia in an extraordinary contest which saw them reduced to 11 players at one stage, with World Rugby describing how France defied the cards to secure victory.

The WXV Global Series disciplinary process is designed to deal with incidents quickly, with an expedited off-field sanction system operating throughout the competition.

The citing window is limited to 12 hours after the final whistle.

The Foul Play Review Committee will ordinarily meet within 24 to 36 hours after each match day to consider red-card incidents and any citings.

Where a full disciplinary hearing is required, it will typically take place within 48 hours of the relevant fixture.

That means Lochner, Mwayembe and Correa should discover the outcome of their respective cases — and any potential suspensions — relatively quickly.