Mapimpi hit with five-week ban after red card against Ulster

Sharks’ winger Makazole Mapimpi has been suspended for five weeks following a red card received against Ulster this past weekend in the United Rugby Championship.

Mapimpi was found guilty of an act of foul play after performing a tip-tackle on Ulster fullback Mike Lowry in the 55th minute during their match in Durban, for which he received his marching orders from referee Ben Whitehouse.

The five-week suspension means the prolific speedster will miss the match at Kings Park against the Scarlets on Saturday, while he is also unavailable for the Springboks’ first four games of their five-match Year-end tour in Europe. Mapimpi is not in the 36-man squad but has been placed on stand-by by head coach Rassie Erasmus.

However, the suspension means the Boks will most likely replace the veteran to make space for a player who is readily available should anything happen during the Tests in November.

The 35-year-old received two previous red cards in the URC, in 2022 and 2025, and was thus not eligible to have his suspension reduced thanks to a clean record. He received tthe low-end punishment of six weeks, with only one week reduced after he acknowledged and accepted that he committed an act of foul play.

According to the URC, he did not apologise or show remorse for the act, and they deemed it intentional and reckless, but because there was no injury to Lowry, it warranted the low-end suspension.

Mapimpi will only be able to return against Wales on the international stage on 29 November or for the Sharks against Connacht on tour in the URC on the same day.