Overview
- The Springboks lock was sent off in the final minutes in Cardiff after a TMO review, with referee Luc Ramos citing a clear finger to Alex Mann’s eye.
- The disciplinary committee, chaired by Christopher Quinlan KC with Leon Lloyd and Becky Essex, released a written decision detailing its findings.
- Etzebeth denied intending to gouge Mann and described the contact as reckless, but the panel rejected that account and said he knew what he was doing.
- Mitigation included his previously clean Test record, an apology, partial acknowledgement of foul play, and character evidence reported to include Ardie Savea’s testimonial.
- The ban covers 12 Sharks fixtures across the Champions Cup and URC through late March, and the club has deregistered him from its Champions Cup squad; he will not miss Springbok Tests.