Butch James lands four-week ban for high tackle

Butch James has been handed a four-week ban just five games into his return for South Africa's Lions.

Southern hemisphere rugby body Sanzar has suspended the Springbok up to and including 17 July for a high tackle on Sharks flanker Keegan Daniel in last weekend's all-South African Super 15 clash.

The 2007 World Cup-winning stand off will be available for the start of the Tri-Nations on 23 July, when South Africa play Australia in Sydney. He has played 40 tests and is one of the Springboks' backline options behind regular No 10 Morne Steyn.

James was only shown a yellow card in the second half of the 30-30 draw in Johannesburg.

Meanwhile, Australian World Cup winner Rod Macqueen is to stand down as Melbourne Rebels coach at the end of the season and be replaced by his assistant Damien Hill. Macqueen, who led the Wallabies to their 1999 World Cup triumph, will remain with the Rebels as director of coaching until the end of next season.

He said: "Damien is very respected by peers and players alike, and he strongly reflects the culture that we are endeavouring to build at the Rebels."