South Africa number 19, Eben Etzebeth, appeared before an independent Disciplinary Committee via video link, having received a red card for an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.12 in the match between South Africa and Wales on Saturda,y 22 November 2025.
The independent Disciplinary Committee was chaired by Christopher Quinlan KC, joined by former international players Leon Lloyd (England) and Becky Essex (England).
Having considered the Player’s and other evidence and reviewed the footage, and for the reasons set out in the full written decision (which is available now in the discipline section of the Six Nations Rugby website), the Disciplinary Committee have determined that contact with the eye was intentional and a mid-range entry point of eighteen weeks/matches was appropriate. Some mitigating factors, including the Player’s previous record, were applied by the Committee reducing the eighteen week entry point by six weeks to twelve weeks/matches.
The suspension will cover the following matches;
7 December 2025 – Toulouse vs Sharks, EPCR Champions Cup
13 December 2025 – Sharks vs Saracens, EPCR Champions Cup
20 December 2025 – Sharks vs Bulls, United Rugby Championship
3 January 2026 – Lions vs Sharks, United Rugby Championship
10 January 2026 – Sale Sharks vs Sharks, EPCR Champions Cup
17 January 2026 – Sharks vs Clermont, EPCR Champions Cup
24 January 2026 – Stormers vs Sharks, United Rugby Championship
31 January 2026 – Sharks vs Stormers, United Rugby Championship
21 February 2026 – Sharks vs Lions, United Rugby Championship
28 February 2026 – Bulls vs Sharks, United Rugby Championship
21 March 2026 – Sharks vs Munster, United Rugby Championship
27 March 2026 – Sharks vs Cardiff Rugby, United Rugby Championship