Alex Mann of Wales and Eben Etzebeth of South Africa tussle on the floor ahead of the incident that led to Etzebeth being sent off (Image: (c) 2025 Gruffydd Ll. Thomas. All rights reserved.)

Here are your rugby evening headlines for Wednesday, December 3.

Eben Etzebeth defence case emerges

Springboks enforcer Eben Etzebeth has claimed he did not mean to gouge Alex Mann as he gave evidence during his disciplinary hearing.

The giant lock is said to have pleaded his actions were reckless but "not intentional" during a five-hour hearing on Tuesday night that ran until almost midnight, according to South African outlet Netwerk24.

It is unclear whether he has also claimed he was provoked in any way by Wales flanker Mann as another source of mitigation, although Mann has not been cited fo

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