Eben Etzebeth is expected to attend a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday following his red card for alleged eye-gouging during South Africa's record 73-0 win over Wales in Cardiff. The verdict is likely to be announced on Wednesday.
The incident occurred with two minutes remaining at the Principality Stadium when the 34-year-old lock clashed with Welsh back-row Alex Mann. Referee Luc Ramos issued a red card after reviewing footage with television match official Eric Gauzins, 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 and host Saracens six days later. The maximum penalty for intentional eye contact is four years, with lower-end offences carrying a four-week suspension. Mid-range offences could result in eight weeks, and top-end offences 12 weeks, though reductions may apply for good disciplinary record and other submissions.
Factors such as Etzebeth's reported apology to Mann will be considered, but if the panel finds intentional eye-gouging, a lengthy ban is likely. South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus commented: 'It didn't look good, I think it was a justified red card.'
Similar past cases include Makazole Mapimpi (three-match ban in January), Henco Venter (six-week ban in April), Chris Ashton (10-week ban in 2016), and Dylan Hartley (six-month ban in 2007).
