Sharks head coach Sean Everitt confirmed that his centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg has been suspended for four weeks following a dangerous tackle that led to a red card against Leinster last week.
Janse van Rensburg saw red after an almost "double" high hit in one sequence on two Leinster players but the neck-high blow to Ross Byrne with six minutes left eventually saw referee Craig Evans send him off.
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"Rohan was suspended for four games," Everitt confirmed on Friday.
It means the former Lions midfielder will miss this weekend’s game against Glasgow Warriors at Kings Park and Ulster’s visit to Durban the week after.
After the international break, the Sharks host Cardiff and Ospreys, meaning he could only see action again in December.
The former Sale Sharks centre joined the Sharks in Durban during pre-season and hit the ground running, putting in neat displays with his new teammates.
However, following the lengthy suspension, his momentum may be stunted.
"Rohan’s done really well since he’s been at the Sharks," Everitt noticed.
"It’s almost rejuvenated his career and, on Saturday, it reminded me of the games he played so well in for the Lions.
"Of course, losing a Springbok does disrupt us somewhat. But it’s something you have to deal with in rugby because there’re always injuries as well."
Former Bulls and SA Under-20 outside back Marnus Potgieter has taken Janse van Rensburg’s place in the starting XV, partnering Australian Ben Tapuai in midfield against the Scots.
"I’m just so excited for a guy like Marnus Potgieter, who’s getting an opportunity to start in the 13 jersey," said Everitt.
"I’ve known Marnus for a long time and I’ve been watching
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Ross Byrne
Sean Everitt
Rohan Janse Van-Rensburg