What do we make of this then? Is it a weak decision by World Rugby? Eben Etzebeth is handed an 18-week ban, reduced to 12 weeks, for the deliberate eye gouge in Cardiff. He misses club games until March 2016 and is eligible to return after the Sharks vs Cardiff Rugby match in the URC on the 27 March 2026. The press release states that there were some mitigating factors, including the player’s previous record, applied by the Committee. #rugby #springboks #EbenEtzebeth