The South African was sent off during the first half of a 9-9 draw against the Melbourne Rebels in Durban for fouling Fijian Sefenaia Naivalu.

Esterhuizen grabbed the giant winger around the throat and flung him face-first to the ground at Kings Park stadium.

He misses games against the Jaguares of Argentina, Western Force of Australia, Southern Kings of South Africa, Sunwolves of Japan and Western Stormers of South Africa.

The Sharks do not play during the final week of his suspension.

Rebels skipper and scrum-half Nic Stirzaker, sent off in the same match after twice being yellow-carded for deliberate knock-downs, escaped further punishment.