The Stormers will fight the eight-week ban slapped on lock Adré Smith following an allegation made by Munster that he bit Niall Scannell on the leg.
Following a videoconference on Thursday, a disciplinary panel ruled that Smith - who was starting his first game for the club - had committed "an act of foul play" in the 45th minute incident in the Munster v Stormers game on Saturday.
The incident was highlighted to referee Andrew Brace by the home skipper Peter O'Mahony. No camera angle could be found to back up the claim, but afterwards Munster head coach Johann van Graan said that the province would pursue the matter.
Smith was subsequently cited under Law 9.12, which covers acts of foul play, and following the hearing it was decided by a panel consisting of Sheriff Kathrine Mackie, Iain Leslie (both Scotland) and Janet Gedrych (Wales) that the incident merited "a low range entry point" suspension, according to a URC statement.
The statement added: "The player’s previous record and behaviour during the process were considered and mitigation of 30% was applied.
"As a result, the player has been banned for a period of 8 games. He is free to play from midnight on Sunday, February 13 th , 2022."
"The player was reminded of his right to appeal."
Now The Stormers have decided to take on the judgement.
"The DHL Stormers intend to appeal the eight-week suspension handed to lock Adré Smith, following a disciplinary hearing on Thursday," read a club statement.
"A Disciplinary Panel convened via videoconference to consider the citing against Smith resulting from the Round 2 United Rugby Championship fixture against Munster Rugby on 2 October 2021.
"Smith has the right to appeal the decision and intends to exercise that right once the written findings of the hearing have been provided."
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