Eben Etzebeth makes Springboks retirement call

Wednesday, 25 February 2026 at 10:30

byRugby Rucker

, Bakkies Botha is arguably the dirtiest rugby player of all time. His career was defined by brutal tackles, off‑ball incidents, and a willingness to push the boundaries of fair play. Botha’s intimidating style earned him respect — and fear — across world rugby.

South Africa enforcer Eben Etzebeth has broken his silence after receiving a lengthy ban, admitting the incident that led to his red card against Wales was “a mistake”.

The Springboks lock, a double World Cup winner, was handed a 12-week suspension in December after an independent disciplinary panel ruled that he was guilty of eye gouging Wales back-rower Alex Mann.

The flashpoint occurred during South Africa’s 73–0 demolition of Wales in Cardiff on 29 November, marking Etzebeth’s first red card in 141 Test appearances for the world champions.

Following the hearing, the 34-year-old fronted up publicly, taking to social media to accept responsibility.

“Now that my hearing is done I think I owe everyone an explanation,” Etzebeth said on social media.

“First of all, this is not a post to show that I was not guilty, I accept guilt. I made a mistake and I'm willing to serve a suspension which I deserve.

“I don't want young kids who look up to the Springboks to think that it's OK to eye gouge someone, because it's not, but unfortunately mistakes happen and I made a big one for which I'm sorry.”

Retirement talk? Etzebeth not done yet

Despite the suspension and growing questions about his long-term future, Etzebeth has made it clear that retirement is not on his radar.

The veteran lock, who has amassed 133 Test caps, insists his hunger to represent South Africa remains undiminished.

“I want to wear that No 4 jersey in the green and gold as many times as possible,” he told
Rapport.

“The competitive spirit is still strong in me – I’m not giving up my place. I want to be in the team for as long as possible.

“I’m not thinking about playing until a certain year – I’m just going to keep pushing. The key is staying fit and avoiding injury, because recovery is harder as you get older.”

Etzebeth also acknowledged the realities of a brutal professional game, pointing to how quickly careers can be cut short.

“The curtain falls for everyone. It came early for [prop] Steven Kitshoff, but that was due to injury – it could have happened when he was 24.

“Every year the younger guys are just bigger, better and faster. Players like Salmaan Moerat and Ruan Nortje are already world class. They push me to improve – and that’s the way it should be.”

10 Dirtiest Players in Rugby History [Ranked]

In this ranked list, we take a look at the 10 dirtiest players in rugby history — the enforcers, the villains, and the serial rule-breakers whose actions sparked outrage, debate, and sometimes even rule changes.

Let’s count them down.

Dirtiest Players in Rugby History

10. Calum Clark – England

Calum Clark became infamous for an off‑ball elbow incident in 2014 that earned him a lengthy ban. This moment alone cemented his place in rugby history as one of the dirtiest rugby players.

9. Brian Lima – Samoa/New Zealand

Brian Lima earned his infamous nickname The Chiropractor for bone‑shattering tackles that often broke opponents’ bodies. His career included several dangerous tackles, making him one of the most feared and controversial players in rugby history.

8. Danny Grewcock – England

Danny Grewcock was one of rugby’s most intimidating second rows. His career included incidents of eye gouging and dangerous play at the ruck, making him a key entry on any list of dirtiest rugby players.

7. Schalk Burger – South Africa

Schalk Burger is celebrated as one of the toughest flankers in history. However, his aggressive play and dangerous tackles make him a notable figure among rugby’s notorious offenders.

6. David Attoub – France

David Attoub’s physical style and frequent scrum offences gave him a reputation as one of the dirtiest rugby players of his era. His career is remembered for pushing the boundaries of the game.

5. Dylan Hartley – England

Dylan Hartley is arguably one of the most penalised players in rugby history. His career includes bans for eye gouging, biting, and referee abuse, making him one of the most controversial names on any dirtiest rugby players list.

4. Tomás Lavanini – Argentina

Tomás Lavanini holds the record for the most red cards in international rugby (three). His dangerous tackles and repeat offences cement his place as one of rugby’s most infamous players.

3. Richard Loe – New Zealand

Richard Loe is a legendary lock with a reputation for dirty play. Off‑ball incidents and aggressive intimidation made him a feared opponent and a notorious figure in rugby history.

2. Eben Etzebeth – South Africa

Etzebeth is one of rugby’s most feared locks. Renowned for his physical dominance, bone‑crunching tackles, and aggressive play in off‑ball scrums, he has built a reputation as one of the dirtiest players in modern rugby. His career has been marked by several controversial moments, most notably a red card for an eye gouge against Wales, underscoring the intensity — and sometimes dangerous edge — of his style.