Eben Etzebeth is set to appear at a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday following his red card for alleged eye-gouging during South Africa's record 73-0 victory over Wales on Saturday. The Springboks lock could face a lengthy suspension, with the verdict expected on Wednesday.
The incident occurred in the final minutes at the Principality Stadium when Etzebeth clashed with Welsh back-row Alex Mann, appearing to make contact with his opponent's left eye. Referee Luc Ramos issued a red card after a review, stating: 'You have a clear finger in the eyes, so for me, it's a permanent red card.'
A ban would impact Etzebeth's club, the Sharks, who begin their Champions Cup campaign against Toulouse on Sunday before hosting Saracens. The maximum penalty for intentional contact with an opponent's eyes is four years, while lower-end offences may result in a four-week suspension. Mid-range offences carry an eight-week ban, and top-end offences 12 weeks, with potential reductions for a clean disciplinary record.
South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus commented: 'It didn't look good, I think it was a justified red card. How it happened and why it happened, and if he was provoked, I'm not sure.' Etzebeth reportedly apologised to Mann after the match, which could be considered by the disciplinary panel.
Previous similar offences in rugby include Makazole Mapimpi's three-match ban in January, Henco Venter's six-week suspension in April, and longer bans for Chris Ashton and Dylan Hartley.
