Etzebeth accepts 12-match ban but claims eye-gouge was never intentional'

"I've been quiet, but now that my hearing is done, I think I owe everyone an explanation, Etzebeth wrote. I accept guilt. I made a mistake and I'm willing to serve a suspension which I deserve I don't want young kids who look up to the Springboks to think that it's OK to eye gouge someone, because it's not, but unfortunately mistakes happen I would never do something like this on purpose, I know what the consequences will be after playing rugby for a few years."

"You can clearly see my first point of contact is against his shoulder with an open hand, just like he did, except he got me on the chin, Etzebeth wrote."

Eben Etzebeth has accepted guilt for eye-gouging Alex Mann and apologised, stating the act was a mistake and not deliberate. An independent disciplinary committee originally imposed an 18-match ban which was reduced to 12 matches due to mitigating factors including his previous good record. Etzebeth posted videos and claimed two Welsh players and Mann changed the dynamic of the incident, saying he was struck on the chin before he retaliated with an open-handed blow. The 34-year-old Springboks lock will be sidelined until April and urged young fans not to emulate eye-gouging.

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