Northampton Saints number eight Gerrit-Jan van Velze has been handed a four-week ban for a tip tackle against the Exeter Chiefs last Saturday.

Van Velze pleaded guilty to the charge, which was confirmed by citing officer Micky Ward.

The South African apologised though Twitter following the incident, saying: "Sorry for the ill discipline today, I had no intention to hurt anyone, haven't seen the replay yet but will have a look. #verydisappointed".

The Saints signed Van Velze from South African side the Blue Bulls over the summer.

Written by
Nik Simon