Eben Etzebeth has finally broken his silence after being hit with a lengthy suspension, admitting the flashpoint that led to his red card against Wales national rugby union team was “a mistake.”
The double World Cup-winning Springboks lock was handed a 12-week ban in December after an independent disciplinary panel found him guilty of eye gouging Alex Mann during the clash.
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The flashpoint occurred during South Africa’s 73–0 demolition of Wales in Cardiff on 29 November, marking Etzebeth’s first red card in 141 Test appearances for the world champions.
Following the hearing, the 34-year-old fronted up publicly, taking to social media to accept responsibility.
“Now that my hearing is done I think I owe everyone an explanation,” Etzebeth said on social media.
“First of all, this is not a post to show that I was not guilty, 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 and I made a big one for which I’m sorry.”
Despite the suspension and growing questions about his long-term future, Etzebeth has made it clear that retirement is not on his radar.
The veteran lock, who has amassed 133 Test caps, insists his hunger to represent South Africa remains undiminished.
“I want to wear that No 4 jersey in the green and gold as many times as possible,” he told Rapport.
“The competitive spirit is still strong in me – I’m not giving up my place. I want to be in the team for as long as possible.
“I’m not thinking about playing until a certain year – I’m just going to keep pushing. The key is staying fit and avoiding injury, because recovery is harder as you get older.”
Etzebeth also acknowledged the realities of a brutal professional game, pointing to how quickly careers can be cut short.
“The curtain falls for everyone. It came early for [prop] Steven Kitshoff, but that was due to injury – it could have happened when he was 24.
“Every year the younger guys are just bigger, better and faster. Players like Salmaan Moerat and Ruan Nortje are already world class. They push me to improve – and that’s the way it should be.”
Based on current form and influence, we have selected a best XV in world rugby right now, choosing the standout player in each position.
Cold as ice and arguably the best kicker in the world, Ramos proved it when he slotted France’s match winning kick in the Six Nations.
Even without that unforgettable moment in Paris, he was outstanding throughout the championship. His goal kicking was close to flawless and his playmaking from fullback made him a crucial attacking weapon.
He even moved to fly half against Italy and looked completely comfortable, highlighting his versatility. Performances like that make his place in this team fully deserved.
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At just 22 years old, Louis Bielle-Biarrey is redefining expectations for a winger. He is now Bordeaux’s all time leading try scorer and holds the record for the most tries in a single Six Nations, remarkable achievements so early in his career.
From a hat trick on his Champions Cup debut at 18 to helping deliver Bordeaux’s first European title and claiming Six Nations Player of the Tournament honours, his rise has been rapid and emphatic.
Nine tries in the recent championship is extraordinary and he continues to improve.
Italy will be pleased with their campaign, even though they slipped up against Wales in the final round.
Wins over Scotland and England, including their first ever victory against the latter, underline what was a highly successful tournament.
At the centre of that progress was Tommaso Menoncello. Although he played mostly at inside centre, he takes the outside centre position here due to the strength of options at 12.
Powerful with the ball in hand, he ranked among the top five for several carrying statistics and finished fourth for total jackals, highlighting both his defensive influence and attacking threat.
McCloskey has been central to everything Ireland produced in this Six Nations.
Losing the title in the final minute will hurt, but there were still many positives from a campaign that improved as it went on.
With six try assists, the joint highest in the tournament, along with the third most carries, the second most defenders beaten and the fifth most offloads, his influence is clear.
It is easy to see why he earns a place in this team.
Few players divide opinion like Cheslin Kolbe, yet when the pressure is highest his impact is undeniable.
While discussion sometimes surrounds his club form in Japan, his Test performances offer a far clearer measure of his quality.
A two time World Cup winner, he has scored in finals, troubled the British and Irish Lions and delivered defining moments for South Africa.
Whether given space or forced under pressure, Kolbe consistently rises to the occasion.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu might have something to say about this choice.
Creativity at fly half rarely arrives with such control. Once seen purely as a maverick, Finn Russell has developed into a commanding playmaker who blends imagination with authority.
Over the summer he became the Lions’ main creative influence, shaping their most dangerous attacks with clarity and ambition.
Whether leading Bath or steering Scotland through tight Tests, he can shift momentum with a single decision.
At his best, Russell does more than manage a match. He controls its rhythm and direction, as he demonstrated during the recent Six Nations.
Even a long spell out with an ACL injury has not diminished Antoine Dupont’s status as rugby’s benchmark.
His list of achievements is remarkable, including World Rugby Player of the Year in 15s in 2021 and in Sevens in 2024, three Six Nations Player of the Tournament awards, Olympic gold and numerous domestic and European titles.
The only player to win both of rugby’s major global individual awards, he represents sustained excellence across formats.
Five Top 14 titles and two European Cups underline his dominance at club level.
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