Eben Etzebeth denied intentionally eye-gouging Wales flank Alex Mann in Cardiff.
The Bok lock was red-carded late in the Boks’ 73-0 win and on Thursday received a 12-week ban that rules him out of four Investec Champions Cup and eight Vodacom URC matches for the Sharks.
Etzebeth gave his version of events during Tuesday’s independent disciplinary hearing and maintained that deliberate contact was never part of his actions.
“I didn’t intend to make eye contact,” he said.
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Etzebeth’s full defence statement:
“Welsh#7 [Mann] and I were both on the ground. We started pushing and shoving each other on the ground. The shoving and pushing continued until we got onto our feet but nothing serious came of that. Just pushing and shoving each other.
“A few other players [from both sides] joined in, and the situation was basically de- escalating and almost over. There were one or two Welsh players in between me and the Welsh#7. I got an open palm to the face in my upper neck/chin area by Welsh#7.
“I looked at the assistant referee to check whether he saw what the Welsh#7 did. I received no reaction from the assistant referee and Welsh #7 went on to pull my jersey towards him, again.
“At this time I felt I had to start defending myself otherwise I’m going to be rag dolled by Welsh #7. It was at that time that I wanted to push him against the shoulder to try and get hold of him, so he doesn’t continue to have control of me and my jersey.
“There were lots of other players involved. South African #20 (Marco van Staden) was behind the Welsh#7 and some of the Welsh players were between us.
“I made contact first with his shoulder. My hand went into his face. It was very quick and the slow-motion showed that I made contact with his eye.
“I did not, at any stage, aim for his eyes or intend to make contact with his eye.”
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Inexcusable from Eben Etzebeth. Horrific stuff. Long, long ban incoming. #WALvRSA
pic.twitter.com/ZIHkJK68s8— George Wellbelove (@GLWellbelove) November 29, 2025
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