Why Springboks star Eben Etzebeth will spend three months on the sidelines
.jpg)
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 08.12.25. | 15:25
He will miss key fixtures for the Sharks and be absent during the early part of the international calendar
Springboks’ powerful lock Eben Etzebeth will be out of action for the next three months.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news
The disciplinary action came after World Rugby handed him a 12-match ban for an eye-gouging incident during South Africa’s clash with Wales on Saturday, 22 November 2025, in Cardiff.
Etzebeth received a red card for making contact with the eye area of Welsh forward Alex Mann, sparking immediate debate across the rugby world.
While initial reports suggested the disciplinary outcome would only be delivered on Sunday, the independent committee expedited the process and released its ruling later in the week.
In its findings, the panel ruled that Etzebeth’s actions were intentional and warranted a starting sanction of 18 weeks.
However, the ban was reduced to 12 weeks after considering mitigating factors, including his remorse, cooperation during the hearing, and otherwise strong disciplinary record.
“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,” the disciplinary statement read.
The committee was chaired by Christopher Quinlan KC, alongside former England internationals Leon Lloyd and Becky Essex.
After reviewing submissions and multiple video angles, the panel concluded that the contact with Mann’s eye met the threshold for a mid-range entry point of 18 weeks.
The six-week mitigation brought the final sanction to 12 weeks, significantly less than the year-long bans issued in similar cases in the past.
.jpg)
The ruling effectively sidelines Etzebeth until 27 March 2026. He will miss key fixtures for the Sharks and be absent during the early part of the international calendar. However, he will still return in time to feature in the full Springbok season.
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
