Eben Etzebeth and Sam Skinner clash off-field as they're sent off

Eben Etzebeth and Sam Skinner were at the centre of a heated exchange off the pitch during Friday’s United Rugby Championship clash at Hive Stadium.

In the 48th minute referee Andrew Brace brandished yellow cards to both locks after they became embroiled in a scuffle under the posts.

What began as an on-field grappling match continued even as the pair trudged off toward the sin bin, with Etzebeth shoving Skinner in the back after exchanging pleasantries on the way to the dug-out.

Sharks coach John Plumtree explains why he is reluctant to give a ‘positive’ update on star Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth

Sharks coach John Plumtree explains why he is reluctant to give a ‘positive’ update on star Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth

Replays showed Etzebeth leading the initial clash, but Skinner’s shirt-grab and retaliatory push ensured that both got their marching orders from Brace.

The flashpoint came shortly after Sharks back Lukhanyo Am had already gone to the bin for off-side, leaving the Sharks with just 13 players.

Tensions flare at Hive Stadium! 😡

Both sets of players clash which results in yellow cards for Eben Etzebeth and Sam Skinner 🟨 pic.twitter.com/2PjFuYerqw

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) April 18, 2025

Despite the breakdown in discipline, the contest itself remained a tight affair. Edinburgh made the most of the penalty, with Ali Price finding Ewan Ashman, who crashed over from close range.

Sharks’ standoff Jordan Hendrikse then saw two routine penalty attempts drift wide, leaving the hosts with a four-point cushion as the final twenty minutes loomed.

Edinburgh looked to have secured a fourth try a few minutes later, only for Siya Kolisi’s brilliant defence to hold Magnus Bradbury up over the line.

That lapse proved decisive when Siya Masuku swung a pass wide to Mapimpi, who touched down in the corner with the clock in the red.

Not everyone was impressed with Etzebeth’s antics. “Big Eben, pushing and pulling yet again. Then gets absolutely owned by the Edinburgh players”.

Another felt Skinner had been hard down getting sin-binned: “Mental to yellow Skinner, he got grabbed then thrown by Etzebeth, then gets yellowed.”

Regardless of the minor scrap, victory boosts the Sharks’ chances of clinching home-play-off advantage, while Edinburgh sit seventh as they head into the rest of the weekend’s URC fixtures.