South Africa's Eben Etzebeth facing lengthy ban after horrific eye gouge vs Wales

South Africa secured a record win in Wales but their victory was marred by an apparent eye gouge by Eben Etzebeth, who now faces the possibility of a serious ban

South Africa's Eben Etzebeth was sent off for an eye gouge during a record Springboks win against Wales in Cardiff with the lock now facing a lengthy ban.

The incident occurred late on, after the Springbok had appeared from the bench. The majority of players found themselves in a mass brawl but replays showed that Etzebeth appeared to direct a thumb into the eye of Wales' Alex Mann.

After it was bought to the referee's attention by the television match official a permanent red card was shown after it was deemed that Etzebeth’s act had been intentional. The lock now faces a mammoth ban, which is likely to impact on his club care