Summary
Eben Etzebeth, a South African rugby player, received a 12-week ban for eye-gouging a Welsh player during a recent match. This was his first red card in 141 international games, and as a result, he will miss several club matches.
Key Facts
- Eben Etzebeth plays for South Africa and has won two World Cups.
- He was banned for 12 weeks due to an eye-gouging incident against a Welsh player named Alex Mann.
- The incident happened in a match between South Africa and Wales, which South Africa won 73-0.
- Etzebeth received a red card in the 79th minute of the game.
- This ban means he will miss club matches for Sharks in both the United Rugby Championship and European Champions Cup until March 2026.
- It was his first red card in 141 games for South Africa.
- An independent panel set an initial penalty of 18 weeks but reduced it to 12 weeks due to his previous good record.
- Rugby bans for intentional eye contact can range from 12 weeks to four years.
