After a frustrating, injury-hit season with the Sharks, Eben Etzebeth is eager to launch into the Springboks’ 2025 campaign.
The veteran lock missed three months of Vodacom URC and EPCR rugby due to a concussion sustained in December and then strained his hamstring during a Springbok alignment camp in March. A training injury also ruled him out of the Sharks’ URC semi-final against the Bulls at Loftus.
“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.”
At 33 and with a record 131 Springbok Test caps to his name, Etzebeth says the time on the sidelines hasn’t been entirely negative.
“As you get older, it 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 said. “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.”
Despite all he’s achieved – including two World Cup titles – Etzebeth says motivation is never a problem.
“I’ve been asked that a few times,” he said. “For me, it’s about putting on the Springbok jersey one more time. That’s the ultimate goal. The day I can’t play for the Boks anymore will be a very sad day for me.
“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.”
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Etzebeth is expecting a serious challenge when the Springboks face the Barbarians – coached by former Crusaders and Wallabies boss Robbie Deans – in Cape Town next Saturday.
“I wouldn’t expect him to come here and not take it seriously,” said Etzebeth. “The Barbarians are known for having fun in the week, but they always pitch up on a Saturday. They’ve got some great players, and for a few of them it could be their last game, so they’ll be out to prove a point.
“We can’t do too much analysis because we don’t know exactly what to expect, but everyone is excited. We ended last year on a big high, and everyone wants to be part of this first game of the new season.”
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One of the most exciting elements for Etzebeth is the return of long-time lock partner Lood de Jager, who missed the 2023 World Cup due to pericarditis and the 2024 season with a shoulder injury.
“It’s amazing to have him back — and RG [Snyman] too,” said Etzebeth. “I think it’s the first time since 2019 that all of us are back together in the Springbok mix, which is special. We’ve been through a lot together – good times and tough times – and it’s great to see Lood performing well again [for the Saitama Wild Knights in Japan]. He’s an exceptional player.”
Photo: Alche Greeff/BackpagePix
