South Africa and Golden Lions fly-half Butch James was banned for four weeks on Thursday after a judicial hearing into dangerous play during a Super Rugby match last weekend.

James grabbed Coastal Sharks flank Keegan Daniel around the neck as he attempted to counter-attack 60 minutes into the southern hemisphere championship match at Ellis Park.

The Springbok 2011 Rugby World Cup contender was 'sin binned' after an incident which drew gasps from the 30,000 crowd at a South African showdown that ended in a 30-30 draw.

It was the Lions final match of the season and, with the ban ending on July 17, James will be available for a Tri-Nations fixture against Australia in Sydney six days later.

While unlikely to unseat first-choice fly-half Morne Steyn, James will be a candidate for inclusion on the bench.

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