Etzebeth handed 12-week ban following eye-gouging Incident
Eben Etzebeth suspended for 12 matches after red-card review
Katlego Sekhu
Eben Etzebeth has been handed a 12-match ban for an eye gouge on Welshman Alex Mann during the Springboks’ clash against Wales in Cardiff on 22 November 2025.
The Springbok lock appeared before a disciplinary committee after receiving a red card for the incident. Although it was initially reported that a decision would only be delivered on Sunday, the committee released its findings on Thursday.
According to its ruling, Etzebeth’s actions were deliberate and warranted an entry-level sanction of 18 weeks. However, his remorse and previously clean disciplinary record resulted in the suspension being reduced to 12 weeks.
The ban could have been significantly longer, as similar offences have resulted in suspensions of more than a year.
Etzebeth will be eligible to return to action for the Sharks and the Springboks after 27 March next year, which means he will be available for the entire Springbok season.
The disciplinary statement read:
“South Africa number 19, Eben Etzebeth, appeared before an independent Disciplinary Committee via video link having received a red card for an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.12 in the match between South Africa and Wales on Saturday 22 November 2025.
“The independent Disciplinary Committee was chaired by Christopher Quinlan KC, joined by former international players Leon Lloyd (England) and Becky Essex (England).
“Having considered the player’s and other evidence and reviewed the footage, and for the reasons set out in the full written decision, the Disciplinary Committee determined that contact with the eye was intentional and that a mid-range entry point of eighteen weeks or matches was appropriate. Mitigating factors, including the player’s previous record, were applied, reducing the sanction to twelve weeks or matches.”
The suspension covers the following fixtures:
7 December 2025 – Toulouse v Sharks, EPCR Champions Cup
13 December 2025 – Sharks v Saracens, EPCR Champions Cup
20 December 2025 – Sharks v Bulls, United Rugby Championship
3 January 2026 – Lions v Sharks, United Rugby Championship
10 January 2026 – Sale Sharks v Sharks, EPCR Champions Cup
17 January 2026 – Sharks v Clermont, EPCR Champions Cup
24 January 2026 – Stormers v Sharks, United Rugby Championship
31 January 2026 – Sharks v Stormers, United Rugby Championship
21 February 2026 – Sharks v Lions, United Rugby Championship
28 February 2026 – Bulls v Sharks, United Rugby Championship
21 March 2026 – Sharks v Munster, United Rugby Championship
27 March 2026 – Sharks v Cardiff Rugby, United Rugby Championship