Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth apologizes for eye-gouging Wales' Alex Mann, accepting a 12-match ban despite claiming it was accidental.

Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth has apologized for an eye-gouging incident during South Africa’s 73-0 win over Wales on 29 November 2025, accepting a 12-match suspension despite claiming the act was unintentional. In a 10 December social media post, he said the reaction was a reflex to provocation, including a slap and jersey pull by Wales’ Alex Mann, and shared video clips to explain the context. World Rugby’s disciplinary panel ruled the gouge intentional, upholding the ban, though mitigating factors reduced a longer penalty. Etzebeth expressed regret, acknowledged letting down fans, and stated the red card was his first and hopes it will be his last. He remains ineligible to play until at least April 2026.