EPCR release statement on SA player accused of eye-gouging
UPDATE: European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) has received a citing complaint against Glasgow Warriors No.8 Henco Venter.
Venter produced a man-of-the match performance in Glasgow’s 43-19 win over Leicester in a Champions Cup Round of 16 clash last weekend.
The South African, who scored two tries in the victory, is alleged to have made contact with the eye of Leicester Tigers prop Dan Cole in the second minute of the match, in contravention of Law 9.12.
Footage of the incident shows Cole with his arm around Venter’s head on the ground before the South African reaches forward towards the prop’s eye area.
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In non-parachute news, understand that Leicester have lodged a complaint to the citing commissioner over an alleged eye gouge on Dan Cole by Glasgow’s Henco Venter. https://t.co/R4uBlyRjTz pic.twitter.com/4dnvwFJUq0
— Ben Coles (@bencoles_) April 6, 2025
Cole could be seen clutching his right eye after the incident before Leicester scored a try.
“The complaint was made by the match Citing Commissioner, Adrien Menez [France],” said a statement.
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.12(7) – intentional contact with eye(s) – carries the following sanction entry points: Low-end – 12 weeks/matches; mid-range – 18 weeks/matches; top-end 24-208 weeks/matches.
Meanwhile, Law 9.12(8) – Reckless contact with eye(s) – carries the following sanction entry points: Low-end – six weeks/matches; Mid-range – 12 weeks/matches; Top-end 18-208 weeks/matches.
The disciplinary hearing will take place on Tuesday and the independent committee will made up of Richard Whittam (England, Chair), Ken Owens (Wales) and Marcello d’Orey (Portugal).
Venter is not the only player in hot water.
Bath loose forward Sam Underhill will face a disciplinary hearing after receiving a red card in his side’s Challenge Cup Round of 16 victory over Section Paloise.
Underhill was sent off by referee Hollie Davidson (Scotland), in the 55th minute “for tackling centre Olivier Klemenczak in a dangerous manner in contravention of Law 9.13”.
Castres Olympique centre Adrien Seguret will also face the music for a dangerous tackle in his side’s thrilling 39-37 Champions Cup Round of 16 victory over Benetton.
