Etzebeth Receives 12-Week Ban for Eye Contact During Wales Match
South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth has been suspended for 12 weeks following an incident during the recent match against Wales, tournament organizers announced today. The sanction stems from an intentional act of eye contact with Welsh player Alex Mann during a scuffle between the teams. Referee Luc Ramos issued Etzebeth the first red card of his career consequently of the incident.
The 6 Nations committee, overseeing the November tour, persistent the eye contact was intentional, initially suggesting an 18-week suspension. Though, mitigating factors – specifically Etzebeth’s prior disciplinary record – lead to a reduction of six weeks, resulting in the final 12-week ban. Etzebeth faced a potential penalty ranging from 12 to 208 weeks for the offense.
“the committee concluded that the eye contact was intentional and that a mid-level sanction starting point of 18 weeks/matches was appropriate,” a statement from the committee read. “Certain mitigating factors…were taken into account by the Commission, thus reducing this starting point of 18 weeks by 6 weeks, resulting in a suspension of 12 weeks/matches.”
Etzebeth is expected to be eligible to return to play by March 27, 2026.The incident and subsequent suspension highlight the ongoing focus on player safety and disciplinary action within international rugby.
