Jacques Vermeulen Handed Huge Ban After Red Card In Sale Sharks vs Saracens
- South African Jacques Vermeulen accepted a charge of dangerous play following his red card in Sale Sharks' Premiership clash against Saracens on Sunday
- The lock and loose forward was dismissed in the first half at StoneX Stadium for making contact with a scrumhalf's head during a ruck clearout
- Vermeulen faces four matches on the sideline, spanning Premiership and Investec Champions Cup fixtures
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ENGLAND — South African rugby player Jacques Vermeulen has been hit with a four-match suspension after accepting a dangerous play charge stemming from his red card during Sale Sharks' Premiership match against Saracens on Sunday.
The 31-year-old was shown a red card in the first half at StoneX Stadium following contact he made with the head of scrumhalf Tomos Williams while attempting to clear out a ruck. An independent disciplinary panel heard the case and found the incident to be in breach of World Rugby Law 9.11.
SA Rugby Magazine reports that Vermeulen accepted the charge, and the suspension was subsequently confirmed.
Despite being reduced to 13 players at one point following the dismissal, Sale Sharks went on to defeat Saracens 21-17, making the result all the more remarkable given their numerical disadvantage.
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Matches Vermeulen will miss
The ban takes immediate effect, ruling Vermeulen out of Sale's home Premiership fixture against Harlequins this coming Sunday. He will also be absent for the club's Investec Champions Cup tie against Glasgow Warriors on 17 October, before missing Premiership away trips to Newcastle Red Bulls on 23 October and Bath on 31 October.
Vermeulen's career background
A versatile forward capable of playing at lock and loose forward, Vermeulen joined Sale Sharks during the UK summer of 2025 after spending six seasons at Exeter Chiefs, where he made over 100 appearances and scored more than 30 tries. Before moving to England, the former Junior Springbok represented Western Province and the Sharks in South Africa, establishing himself as a dependable presence at forward.
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Wilco Louw’s Stormers return adds another derby storyline
Briefly News previously reported that the Stormers are preparing for Saturday’s Sharks derby with several Springboks back in the squad.
One of the biggest talking points is Wilco Louw’s return after several years away from the Cape Town side. The prop has already made his feelings about returning clear, with a short message that captured the significance of the moment.
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Source: Briefly News
