Eben Etzebeth: When Springboks Star Will Know His Fate After Eye Gouge Incident vs Wales

• Eben Etzebeth will appear before a disciplinary panel following the red card he received for alleged eye-gouging during the Springboks' win over Wales
• The 34-year-old was sent off for the offence with two minutes left to play during South Africa's clash with Wales in Cardiff over the weekend
• The dates for the hearing and when the verdict would be announced have been confirmed, with the Boks star waiting to learn his fate

Springboks star Eben Etzebeth was at the centre of the major talking point during South Africa's win over Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

The reigning world champions ended the season with a resounding 73-0 win over Wales, but the victory was marred by Etzebeth's red card, the third time the Boks have had a player sent off in their last five matches.

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The 34-year-old became embroiled in a late-game altercation after entering as a substitute, and footage reviewed by the Television Match Official showed the experienced lock appearing to place his fingers near the eyes of Wales' Alex Mann.

When Eben Etzebeth will learn his fate

According to reports in the media, Etzebeth is set to face a disciplinary panel on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, where he will learn the outcome of the unfortunate altercation he had with Alex Mann, with the final decision set to be announced by the World Rugby disciplinary committee on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

A long ban for the towering lock seems inevitable. However, the key question is how the disciplinary committee will interpret the incident, as Etzebeth’s representatives are expected to present their side of the story when they appear on Tuesday.

If the Boks star is found guilty of eye-gouging, he could face a suspension ranging from as little as four weeks for a lower-level offence involving contact with the eye area to more than 12 weeks for a top-tier violation, depending on the severity and intent of the act. "Reckless" eye contact carries a heavier sanction than cases deemed to involve merely "intentional" contact with the eyes.

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Etzebeth will be represented at the hearing by SA Rugby and the players' body, MyPlayers, who are anticipated to contend that his conduct stemmed from provocation during a previous breakdown altercation. A new angle showed that Eben was initially eye-gouged by the Welsh player before the incident that led to the red card.

Any suspension/ban would hit the Sharks harder than the Springboks, who don’t play again until next June. Etzebeth’s club faces important EPCR and United Rugby Championship fixtures in the next few weeks.

The Sharks will especially need Etzebeth’s experience as they look to make a strong push during the festive-season schedule.

Erasmus reacts to Etzebeth's red card

Briefly News earlier reported that Rassie Erasmus shared his views on Etzebeth's red card in the Springboks' emphatic victory over Wales in Cardiff.

The South African rugby coach gave his opinion concerning the justification of the red card without holding back.

Proofreading by Roxanne Dos Ramos, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News