The Sharks centre Francois Steyn has reportedly flown to Switzerland for an emergency meeting with the Court of Arbitration for Sport over his suspension from Super Rugby.
Francois Steyn of the Sharks playing against the Blues. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The last ditch effort to appeal his 5-week ban comes after the SANZAR Appeals Committee allowed an appeal by SANZAR against the verdict of the initial SANZAR judicial hearing that cleared the utility back of a tip-tackle.
Planet Rugby is reporting that the former Springbok has looked north to CAS in the hope of overturning the decision.
Steyn, who will be accompanied by du Plessis brothers Bismark and Jannie on the mission, is set to meet with CAS officials today.
Jannie du Plessis, who normally plies his trade as a doctor, will be acting as the 27-year-old's lawyer.
Meanwhile the Sharks have recruited in the retired Butch James as cover for Steyn.
Steyn was found guilty of a dangerous tackle on the Chiefs first-five Aaron Cruden a fortnight ago.
Steyn was sent off for the tip tackle on the Chiefs and All Blacks first five Aaron Cruden in their Super Rugby match 10 days ago in Durban.
Referee Angus Gardner's decision to red card the Sharks center was questioned after the television match official recommended just a yellow card, but was ignored by Gardner.
A disciplinary hearing said the red card should be removed from Steyn's record because two other Sharks players were involved in the tackle.
But SANZAR successfully overturned that decision over night.
Steyn, who will miss four games, was one of three players sent off during the match, including his teammate Bismark du Plessis who was suspended for four weeks for striking out at an opponent with a boot.
The Sharks play the Crusaders this weekend.
