Benetton flyhalf Jacob Umaga handed four-match ban after Mapimpi tackle

The Sharks winger was left needing medical attention when the incident happened during last weekend's Vodacom URC clash in Durban.

Umaga, a Samoan international, was shown a red card in the 38th minute at Kings Park after making high contact with the Springbok winger in a heavy collision.

Mapimpi was unable to continue and was taken from the field on a medical cart.

A URC disciplinary panel later found Umaga guilty of foul play under Law 9.13, which prohibits players from tackling an opponent dangerously or making contact above the line of the shoulders.

Judicial officer Ben Rutherford ruled that the offence warranted a red card, applying a mid-range entry point that carried an initial six-week suspension.

However, Umaga's sanction was reduced by 50% after he accepted the red card, apologised for the incident and displayed good conduct during the disciplinary process. A further week was then added because of his prior disciplinary record, leaving him with a final four-match ban.

The suspension means Umaga will miss Benetton's URC meeting with the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday, along with Samoa's upcoming internationals against a Chile XV, Hong Kong and Georgia.

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