BREAKING: Etzebeth banned for 12 matches

Eben Etzebeth has been banned for an effective 12 matches for his eye gouge on Welshman Alex Mann during their clash in the Springboks’ game in Cardiff on 22 November 2025.

Etzebeth appeared before a disciplinary committee and while it was initially reported that the outcome would only be delivered on Sunday, the committee released its findings on Thursday instead.

It said that Etzebeth’s actions were deliberate and warranted an entry level ban of 18 weeks, but because of his remorse and good disciplinary record it was brought down to 12 weeks.

Etzebeth’s ban could have been a lot worse and could have been more than a year, as has been seen in other cases. He will now be available to play for the Sharks and Springboks after 27 March next year, meaning he will be available for the full Springbok season.

“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 disciplinary statement said.

“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 have determined that contact with the eye was intentional and a mid-range entry point of eighteen weeks/matches was appropriate. Some mitigating factors, including the Player’s previous record, were applied by the Committee reducing the eighteen week entry point by six weeks to twelve weeks/matches.

The suspension will cover the following matches;

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