Rugby Union

Springbok Etzebeth lands 12-match ban for eye gouge

By AAP Newswire

Dec 5, 2025

Etzebeth eye gouge — Springbok Eben Etzebeth has landed a 12-match ban for gouging Alex Mann's eye in the Wales Test. -AP

South Africa star Eben Etzebeth has been suspended for 12 matches for eye-gouging in the Wales Test match.

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The suspension covers matches for the Durban-based Sharks starting from this weekend until the end of March. The Sharks deregistered Etzebeth this week in anticipation of a lengthy ban.

Etzebeth was red-carded on Saturday at the end of the world champions' record 73-0 win over Wales in Cardiff. In a scuffle with Alex Mann, Etzebeth was caught on video with his right thumb in Mann's left eye.

It was the first red card of Etzebeth's 13-year international career. The two-time Rugby World Cup winner has played 141 Tests, more than anyone for the Springboks.

The gouge was determined to be intentional by an independent disciplinary committee. Etzebeth pleaded guilty and apologised.

Regarding a sanction, the panel started at 18 weeks and reduced it by six weeks, taking into consideration his previous disciplinary record.

He was the third lock to be red-carded during the Springboks' five-match unbeaten tour of Europe in November.

Lood de Jager was suspended for four matches but Franco Mostert's red card was rescinded.