JOHANNESBURG - Eben Etzebeth has been slapped with a massive suspension.
The Springbok lock has been banned for 12 matches, which was reduced from the initial 18-match sanction.
This after the 34-year-old was found guilty of eye gouging Alex Mann during South Africa's thumping of Wales last Saturday.
The decision was handed down by an independent disciplinary panel chaired by Christopher Quinlan KC.
Etzebeth will miss four Champions Cup as well as eight United Rugby Championship fixtures with the Sharks.
He will be back in time for next year's international rugby season with the world champions.