The Bulls lock, who is expected to be a key figure for his country when the Lions arrive later this summer, was found guilty of striking an opponent during Saturday's win over the Waratahs.

Botha had been cited for an incident with Australian flanker Phil Waugh after he was accused of striking the Waratahs skipper with his forearm.

The three-week suspension leaves the Bulls with only Danie Rossouw and Wilhelm Steenkamp as recognised second row options for their final match of the Australasian leg of this year's Super 14.

The Bulls face the Brumbies in Canberra on Friday and are already with Victor Matfield who has returned home because of the birth of his second child.

Matfield will return to the squad for the remainder of the tournament once the Bulls arrive back in South Africa.