Eben Etzebeth: Springboks star gives detailed explanation to eye-gouging controversy after suspension - ‘It was never intentional’
Updated 10/12/2025 at 18:15 GMT
Eben Etzebeth apologised after receiving a 12-match ban for making contact with Alex Mann’s eye in South Africa’s 73-0 win over Wales. While accepting guilt, he said his reaction came after being struck and pulled in a scuffle, insisting the gouge was unintentional. Sharing clips, he explained his first contact was aimed at Mann’s shoulder, while insisting he would learn from his first career red.
'This could be a straight red' - Etzebeth is dismissed after violent conduct
Video credit: TNT Sports
South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth has apologised and provided context on his eye-gouge on Wales’ Alex Mann after being hit with a 12-match ban.
Last week an independent disciplinary panel banned Etzebeth for three months after the 34-year-old’s thumb was seen making contact with Mann’s left eye during the Springboks' 73-0 win over Wales last month.
The South African was shown a straight red card for the incident, with his subsequent ban set to see him miss matches for his club Sharks until the end of March 2026.
Etzebeth, who has received a spate of criticism from players and pundits since, has now taken to social media to apologise for the eye gouge and explain his behaviour.
The veteran flanker, who is the most-capped Springbok of all time, suggested in his hearing that he had feared for his safety in a scuffle with Mann, and he elaborated on this defence in an Instagram post.
Using three short clips of the incident to corroborate his side of the story, Etzebeth suggested that he had been struck first by Mann and had made his initial contact with the Wales star’s shoulder as a response.
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Etzebeth 'will find himself in a little bit of bother' after eye-gouge red card
Video credit: TNT Sports
"I've been quiet, but now that my hearing is done I think I owe everyone an explanation," Etzebeth said.
"First of all, this is not a post to show that I was not guilty. I accept guilt. I made a mistake, and I'm willing to serve a suspension which I deserve.
"I don't want young kids who look up to the Springboks to think that it's okay to eye gouge someone, because it's not, but unfortunately, mistakes happen, and I made a big one for which I'm sorry.
"But I'd like to answer the question - why did you do such a thing? It was a mistake caused by my reaction and other factors that played a role.
"Slide 1: The scuffle was basically over when Wales #7 struck me with an open hand to my chin/neck area, you can see me looking at the Assistant Referee and waiting for a reaction from him (it happened fast and it's understandable that he didn't see it) without reacting yet.
"I got another pull on my jersey, before I go in with the similar type of action.
"Slide 2: You can clearly see my first point of contact is against his shoulder with an open hand, just like he did, except he got me on the chin.
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"Another thing worth mentioning, when he struck me, I was standing still with not a lot of movement or players trying to get involved.
"When I went for the same open hand towards his shoulder, you'll see two Welsh players changing the dynamic of the entire picture, as well as one of my teammates pulling Wales #7 around his neck away from my hand and where my force is going.
"Slide 3: Another Camera Angle. So why did I post this? To try and show people how everything happened and that it was never intentional.
"I would never do something like this on purpose, I know what the consequences will be after playing rugby for a few years.
"Thanks to everyone that stood by me and thought the best of me. I'm sorry for letting you and the game down. That was my first red card since I started playing. I want it to be my last.
"To the people that were angry and upset with my actions, I understand - because it didn't look good on the slow motion replay and hopefully you've got a bit more context now."
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