South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth has been suspended for 12 weeks after being found guilty of eye-gouging during the Springboks' 73-0 victory over Wales in Cardiff on Saturday. The ban, imposed by an independent disciplinary committee, covers matches for his club side, the Sharks, from this weekend until the end of March.
The 33-year-old was sent off in the final moments of the record win after video footage showed him placing his right thumb in the left eye of Wales' Alex Mann during a scuffle. It was the first red card of Etzebeth's 13-year international career, during which he has earned a record 141 caps for South Africa and won two Rugby World Cups.
Etzebeth pleaded guilty to the charge and apologised for his actions. The disciplinary panel determined the gouge was intentional and started the sanction at 18 weeks, but reduced it by six weeks in recognition of his previous good disciplinary record. The Sharks had deregistered Etzebeth earlier this week in anticipation of a lengthy ban.
Etzebeth was the third Springbok lock to be sent off during their five-match unbeaten tour of Europe in November. Lood de Jager received a four-match suspension, while Franco Mostert's red card was later rescinded.
