Matt Williams backs lengthy sanction for Eben Etzebeth after 'senselessly violent act'
Former Scotland head coach Matt Williams accused Eben Etzebeth of breaking rugby's social contract when he gouged the eye of Wales flank Alex Mann.
Bok hardman Eben Etzebeth out for 12 weeks following eye-gouging incident
The incident occurred in the dying embers of the Springboks' comprehensive 73-0 win over Wales on Saturday. The independent disciplinary committee initially met on Tuesday, but could not come to a conclusion.
"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," read the committee's statement.
"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 written judgement also indicated that All Black superstar Ardie Savea provided a character reference for Etzebeth. The straight red card was the 141-cap veteran's first in his storied career
The double World Cup winner's suspension will cover the following matches:
7 December 2025 - Toulouse vs Sharks, Champions Cup
13 December 2025 - Sharks vs Saracens, Champions Cup
20 December 2025 - Sharks vs Bulls, United Rugby Championship
3 January 2026 - Lions vs Sharks, United Rugby Championship
10 January 2026 - Sale Sharks vs Sharks, Champions Cup
17 January 2026 - Sharks vs Clermont, Champions Cup
24 January 2026 - Stormers vs Sharks, United Rugby Championship
31 January 2026 - Sharks vs Stormers, United Rugby Championship
21 February 2026 - Sharks vs Lions, United Rugby Championship
28 February 2026 - Bulls vs Sharks, United Rugby Championship
21 March 2026 - Sharks vs Munster, United Rugby Championship
27 March 2026 - Sharks vs Cardiff Rugby, United Rugby Championship
England great slams Eben Etzebeth's reduced eye-gouge ban as 'far too lenient'
England great Ben Youngs has voiced his frustration over Eben Etzebeth's suspension for eye-gouging being reduced to 12 weeks.
Eben Etzebeth left devastated by hefty ban, says outgoing Sharks boss John Plumtree
Sharks head coach John Plumtree revealed that Eben Etzebeth is reeling in the wake of his 12-match ban but will still be helping out on the training field.
Boks to open 2026 against England at Ellis Park as home Test venues confirmed
The Springboks will open their 2026 season with a thrilling clash against England at Ellis Park in Johannesburg as the new Nations Championship gets underway.