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

"I would never do something like this on purpose," says South African lock

Tempers fray between South Africa's Eben Etzebeth and Wales's Alex Mann during the Quilter Nations Series match at Principality Stadium, Cardiff. Picture: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

Eben Etzebeth, the Springboks lock serving a 12-match ban for eye-gouging Alex Mann of Wales, has claimed it was “never intentional”, contradicting the verdict of an independent disciplinary committee announced last week.

In an Instagram post on Wednesday the Sharks second row accepted guilt and apologised, saying “unfortunately mistakes happen”. The 34-year-old double Rugby World Cup winner also appeared to distance himself from the act by drawing attention to “other factors”.