Etzebeth cleared for Twickenham Test

The contact was accidental

Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth has been cleared of eye-gouging allegations and will be available for Saturday’s Test against England at Twickenham.

Etzebeth appeared before independent IRB-appointed Judicial Officer David Martin (Ireland) on Tuesday.

He was cited by Alan Mansell of England for contact with the eye(s) or eye area - under Law 10.4 (m) - on Scotland No.10, Greig Laidlaw, 14 minutes into the second half of the Boks' 21-10 win at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Law 10.4(m) relates to acts contrary to good sportsmanship and that a player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship in the playing enclosure.

The Judicial Officer, Martin, held that the contact in the area of the Scotland player's eyes was accidental, and as such did not constitute foul play.

Eben Etzebeth is free to resume playing immediately and will be available to play for the Springboks against England at Twickenham on Saturday.

South Africa's coach, Heyneke Meyer, is due to name his team to play England on Wednesday.