Overview
- An independent disciplinary committee found Etzebeth intentionally made contact with Alex Mann’s eye and set an 18‑match entry point before mitigation.
- The suspension was cut to 12 matches and applies to club fixtures only, with a return expected around late March 2026.
- Etzebeth issued a public apology on Instagram, saying he accepts guilt but maintains the act was never intentional while sharing video clips to explain his view.
- The Sharks have deregistered him for the duration of the ban, leaving the club to find cover for upcoming Champions Cup and URC games.
- Reaction varied as Matt Williams condemned the act in strong terms, whereas Ugo Monye suggested the layoff could ultimately benefit Etzebeth and the Springboks.