The Ospreys will have to finish the season without one of their key backline players after winger Daniel Kasende was handed a four-match ban following a red card incident in their recent United Rugby Championship clash against Cardiff.

Kasende, 30, was shown a 20-minute red card during the first half of Ospreys' narrow 24-21 defeat after leading with his forearm while carrying the ball, striking Cardiff fly-half Callum Sheedy in the process. The incident left the Ospreys short-handed in a tightly contested derby match that ultimately slipped away from them.

At the disciplinary hearing, the South African wing accepted that his actions constituted foul play warranting a red card. The initial six-match suspension was reduced by half thanks to his apology, acceptance of the punishment, and good conduct throughout the proceedings. However, an additional match was tacked on due to his previous disciplinary record.

With Ospreys already out of URC play-off contention, Kasende will miss the final two matches of the current campaign: a home fixture against Scarlets in Bridgend on May 9, followed by a trip to Leinster seven days later. The remaining two matches of his ban will carry over into pre-season fixtures for the next campaign.

For a player known for his explosive pace and physicality on the wing, this suspension brings a premature end to what has been a challenging season for both Kasende and the Ospreys. As the team looks to rebuild and regroup for next season, they'll be hoping for a disciplined and impactful return from their South African flyer.