'I made a big mistake.. I'm sorry for the example I set'

SPRINGBOKS star Eben Etzebeth has finally spoken publicly after receiving a 12-match ban for eye-gouging Wales flanker Alex Mann, breaking his silence to apologise for making a “big mistake” and insist the act was not intentional.

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The South Africa lock was handed the lengthy suspension after an independent disciplinary panel ruled he “intentionally” made contact with Mann’s eye area during the closing stages of the Springboks’ 73-0 rout at the Principality Stadium.

Etzebeth pleaded guilty to the offence but argued it was accidental, a claim the panel rejected before issuing a three-month ban.

The incident has triggered widespread condemnation from former players and pundits -- including some of Etzebeth's ex-team-mates -- but had not been addressed by the player himself until now.