Bulls lock Bakkies Botha has been cleared on a charge of dangerous play after appearing before a SANZAR Judicial hearing at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Tuesday.

Botha had been cited and charged with a breach of Law 10.4 (e), which relates to a dangerous tackle on the neck or head of an opponent. Botha denied the charge.

The Judicial Officer, Jannie Lubbe SC, after careful consideration of the video evidence, the referee’s report, the citing commissioner’s report, Botha’s testimony and submissions by Botha’s legal representative, Gerrie Swart, concluded that he was not satisfied on the balance of probability that Botha’s action was in breach of Law 10.4 (e). The case was accordingly dismissed.