Overview
- An independent disciplinary panel issued a 12-week (12-match) suspension after Etzebeth’s red card for making contact with Alex Mann’s eye late in South Africa’s 73-0 win in Cardiff.
- The committee set an 18-week mid-range entry point under Law 9.12 and cut six weeks for mitigating factors, including Etzebeth’s prior record.
- The panel was chaired by Christopher Quinlan KC with members Leon Lloyd and Becky Essex, and its full written decision has been published by the Six Nations disciplinary body.
- The suspension rules Etzebeth out of the Sharks’ upcoming Champions Cup and URC fixtures, with eligibility to return in April 2026 and no impact on Springboks fixtures before July.
- The Sharks have deregistered Etzebeth from their Champions Cup squad, a move confirmed by EPCR, after the player’s testimony denying intent and citing provocation was rejected by the panel.