Franco Mostert Red Card: Wife Juan-Ri Speaks Out After Controversial Springboks Decision

Franco Mostert Red Card: Wife Juan-Ri Speaks Out After Controversial Springboks Decision

  • Franco Mostert’s early sending-off has sparked strong reactions on and off the field, with his wife offering public reassurance and support
  • The Springbok lock’s suspension has raised renewed questions about consistency in officiating after two consecutive red cards for South Africa’s second-rowers
  • Mostert’s heartfelt message from home arrives as the team braces for a tough run of fixtures in Dublin and Cardiff amid uncertainty over his availability

Springbok lock Franco Mostert has received a wave of love and support from his wife, Juan-Ri Mostert, following his early dismissal in South Africa’s win over Italy.

Springboks, Italy, South Africa, Quilter Nations Series
Ross Vintcent of Italy has an altercation with Franco Mostert of South Africa during the Quilter Nations Series 2025 match between Italy and South Africa. Photo: Timothy Rogers
Source: Getty Images

Mostert was shown a red card in the 11th minute following a high tackle on Azzurri fly-half Paolo Garbisi, forcing the Boks to play almost the entire match with 14 men. Despite the setback, South Africa powered to a 32–14 victory.

Juan-Ri Mostert praises Springbok husband

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Juan-Ri shared a collage of her husband and penned an emotional message celebrating his character on and off the field.

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“We are so proud of you. Thank you for being such a beautiful example for me and our children. I honour you. We love you,” she wrote.

Her tribute swiftly garnered support from the Springbok family. Verna Libbok and Anlia Etzebeth, partners of Manie Libbok and Eben Etzebeth, were among those who liked the post. Cheslin Kolbe and Andre Esterhuizen also showed their backing.

The message comes amid ongoing debate among rugby voices, including Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus, regarding the decision to send Mostert off so early in the match.

Erasmus pointed out that South Africa received a red card while the opposition got a yellow, which he felt was probably fair, but found it difficult to understand losing two locks in two games for situations where they were already as low as they could go.

This is after the second weekend in a row, the Springboks had to play a match with one less player. Last Saturday, lockman Lood de Jager was red-carded in the 32-17 victory over France in Paris. He has been suspended for the remainder of their European tour.

Read also

Springboks vs Italy: Broadcast details and match schedule

Springboks, Siya Kolisi, Lood de Jager, Angus Gardner
Siya Kolisi reacts as Lood de Jager of South Africa is shown a red card by Referee Angus Gardner, after a TMO Review concluded a high tackle on Thomas Ramos of France. Photo: David Rogers
Source: Getty Images

Franco Mostert red card: What happens next?

Mostert’s dismissal follows a similar incident the previous week when lock Lood de Jager was red-carded against France, prompting renewed scrutiny of tackle interpretations.

The red card means Mostert will miss South Africa’s upcoming clash against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. The final length of his suspension, however, rests with an independent disciplinary panel.

It remains uncertain whether he will return in time for the fixture against Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff later in November.

Erasmus on bold substitution vs France

Briefly News previously reported that Eramus explained the reason behind his bold substitution in South Africa's victory over France.

The Boks manager decided to sub off some of the veterans of the team, including the captain, Siya Kolisi, who was making his 100th Test cap in the match.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Ncube Harrison avatar

Ncube Harrison (Sports Editor) Harrison Ncube is a sports journalist with years of experience covering African and global sports. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from the Zimbabwe Open University and previously worked at Sports Buzz (2018–2022), freelanced for Sports Journal (2023–2024), and contributed to Radio 54 African Panorama Live (2021–2023). He joined Briefly News in February 2025. For inquiries, reach him at ncube.harrison@briefly.co.za.

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