Eben Etzebeth, a prominent figure in South Africa’s rugby team and a two-time World Cup champion, has been handed a 12-week suspension following an eye-gouging incident during a recent match against Wales. This occurrence took place during the Springboks’ commanding 73-0 victory on Saturday, where Etzebeth was observed making contact with Welsh player Alex Mann’s left eye with his thumb.
The incident unfolded late in the game as Etzebeth, who had entered as a substitute, received a straight red card from French referee Luc Ramos in the 79th minute. Remarkably, this red card marks the first of Etzebeth’s extensive international career, which spans 141 matches. The suspension will impede his participation with the Sharks, who are competing in both the United Rugby Championship and the European Champions Cup, extending through the end of March 2026.
In the aftermath of the incident, an independent disciplinary panel convened to review the case. Initially set for a swift resolution, the panel opted for an additional day of deliberation. Led by Christopher Quinlan KC, the panel determined that the contact with the eye was intentional, categorizing the action as a “mid-range” offense, which typically carries an 18-week suspension. However, due to Etzebeth’s previously unblemished record, the panel decided to reduce the suspension to 12 weeks.
Etzebeth’s situation is part of a troubling trend for South African forwards during this autumn series, as he becomes the third player in this position to receive a red card in just four matches. He joins Franco Mostert, who received a red card in the match against Italy, and Lood de Jager, who was sent off against France. Notably, Mostert’s red card was subsequently rescinded and downgraded to a yellow.
World Rugby has implemented strict regulations regarding eye-gouging, with penalties ranging from a minimum of 12 weeks for intentional contact to a maximum of four years depending on the offense’s severity. Reckless actions can result in bans from six weeks to four years, while minor infractions could lead to suspensions of four weeks to one year.
As rugby advances, these disciplinary measures underscore a continuous commitment to player safety and the importance of fair play within the sport, reflecting an ongoing dedication to maintaining the integrity of the game.