Ospreys winger Daniel Kasende has been slapped with a four-match ban following a fiery Welsh rugby derby against Cardiff. Last week, Kasende, while in possession, clashed with Cardiff’s fly-half Callum Sheedy at Cardiff Arms Park, and was initially handed a yellow card which was later upgraded to a 20-minute red card. Despite showing remorse and accepting the foul, Kasende’s previous disciplinary record saw his suspension extended.
Kasende is set to miss the last two matches of this season and will be absent for the opening two games of the next season’s campaign. Ospreys fans will feel his absence in this weekend’s match against Scarlets and the subsequent clash with Leinster.
Ospreys’ head coach Mark Jones expressed his surprise about the severity of the punishment compared to other incidents in the match. He noted a similar incident involving Cardiff’s Liam Belcher that resulted in a head-on-head clash only attracted a yellow card.
Friday’s derby was eventful with multiple players spending time in the sin-bin, highlighting a tense atmosphere. Along with Kasende, Ospreys’ Dan Edwards and Owen Watkin, as well as Cardiff’s Liam Belcher and Josh McNally, were shown yellow cards.
The URC’s statement clarified the disciplinary action, emphasizing the reckless nature of Kasende’s actions. The player’s acceptance of the charge, combined with his good conduct, initially reduced the ban but his track record added more games to his suspension.
Stay tuned for more updates on the rollercoaster ride that is the rugby season! 🏉