Springbok enforcer Eben Etzebeth to miss 2025 after horrific injury?

03/31/2025 06:12 AM

Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth hasn't featured since December 7 after failing an in-game HIA assessment against Exeter Chiefs.

Initially ruled out for the rest of the month, Eztebeth's recovery took a U-turn after the double World Cup winner reported relapses in concussion symptoms – dizziness and headaches –  prolonging his return to the field.

Whispers of retirement began circulating as the three-week injury turned into a three-month fiasco; Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus put these claims to bed, telling Planet Rugby, "He doesn't have any symptoms, he went through all the processes… and, according to what I've heard, he will be one of the players that will be available [in 2025]."

Another injury setback

Etzebeth, now concussion-free, looked likely for a Sharks return against Zebre on March 22 but was again hampered with injury after straining his hamstring during Springboks' alignment camp in mid-March.

"Eben strained a hamstring in a running block [during the Springbok alignment camp] in Cape Town," Sharks coach John Plumtree reported. "That set him back a couple weeks, but from a concussion point of view, he's in a good place now.

The Durban-outfit would have done with Eztebeth's ruthlessness in last weekend's loss to league leaders Leinster. Plagued with handling errors, neither side looked their best leaving spectators bewildered by amateurish mistakes.

Down 7-10, Siya Kolisi had an ultimatum heading into the dying seconds after Sharks were awared a penalty in kicking range. Instead of opting for a draw the Springbok captain went for the corner but fell short quickly after the lineout. Final score: 7-10.

What is your favourite Springbok-Etzebeth memory?

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