By Mahlon Lichuma
The disciplinary process involving Eben Etzebeth has taken an unexpected turn, leaving the veteran Springbok waiting longer to learn his fate after being sent off during South Africa’s emphatic win over Wales at the Principality Stadium.
Etzebeth received a straight red card in the closing minutes of the match for making contact with the eye of Wales forward Alex Mann during a heated scuffle.
The incident drew strong reactions both inside the stadium and online, with fans widely condemning the 34-year-old’s actions. Even South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus admitted the footage “didn’t look good” and agreed the red card was justified. Under World Rugby regulations, intentional contact with the eye carries a minimum sanction of 12 weeks, with the most serious cases attracting bans of up to four years.
Etzebeth was expected to face a disciplinary panel on Tuesday and receive a verdict the following day. However, South African outlet Netwerk24 has reported a delay after the hearing stretched to nearly five hours, with panel members reportedly unable to agree on whether the act was intentional or reckless. As a result, a final decision may not be delivered until Sunday, more than a week after the red card was issued.
Tension around the case has been heightened by post-match fallout. Mann confronted Etzebeth again after the final whistle, while online debate escalated when former Springbok Bryan Habana shared footage appearing to show Mann making contact with Etzebeth moments earlier. The clip has since been questioned, with accusations that the images were altered. Mann was not cited for any offence.
Etzebeth now faces a nervous wait as the panel reassesses the case.
English