When it comes to injuries, the 2025 season has been one to forget for Eben Etzebeth, who missed a large part of the Sharks’ URC and Champions Cup campaigns for a variety of reasons.
Besides an extended absence due to concussion and subsequent symptoms, the big lock strained his hamstring during a Springbok alignment camp in March, and was also ruled out of the Sharks’ URC semi-final after a training ground injury.
However, Etzebeth is now back with the Springboks, and he believes the extended rest could actually serve him well as the international season rolls around.
“I’ve recovered from everything now,” Etzebeth told the media in Johannesburg on Wednesday. “Obviously, I didn’t have the best run – the concussion and injury kept me out for about four, four-and-a-half months, which wasn’t ideal. Then I had a minor setback just before the URC semi-final, but I’m fully back in training and very excited for the rest of the season.
“As you get older, it (injuries) does take a bigger toll on your body. Of course, I would’ve liked to play more this season, but the time off has helped me rest and recover,” he added.
“You don’t just sit around – you rehab, work on areas that have been troubling you. You get your whole body strong again. So, while not playing is frustrating, there are positives like getting the body right and spending time with family.”
Eben Etzebeth became the most-capped Springbok of all time last year
There is no doubt that the Springbok coaches will be intent on ensuring they manage the game-time and conditioning of Etzebeth to see him through to the 2027 World Cup.
The 33-year-old currently has 131 Test caps to his name, and clearly has no plans of slowing down.
“The day I can’t play for the Boks anymore will be a very sad day for me,” he stated.
“There’s no better feeling than running out in a full stadium in South Africa – Loftus, Cape Town, wherever – with 50,000 people behind you. It’s incredibly special, and it motivates me every time.”
Do you think he is already the greatest Bok of all time?
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