Three high-profile rugby stars stood down from the game due to concussion

04/16/2025 03:41 AM

In recent years, a new kind of bravery has emerged in rugby — knowing when to stop.

Eben Etzebeth, Sam Underhill, and Caelan Doris have each stepped away from the game due to concussion concerns, putting health before heroics.

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"The Concussion Guru Was Called" – Eben Etzebeth's Long Road Back

Eben Etzebeth doesn't do soft landings. The 33-year-old Springbok enforcer has built a career on dominance and durability — but even the toughest figures in rugby can be brought to a halt.

It happened in December, during the Sharks' bruising Champions Cup win over Exeter Chiefs. Etzebeth took a blow to the head and didn't return. For most players, a few weeks out might be the norm — but this was different. This was serious.

By February, the Sharks confirmed he had "suffered a return-of-symptoms of his recent concussion," adding, "The Sharks take this injury very seriously and player welfare remains our top priority. Eben is being managed by concussion specialists."

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus took things even further. "I actually drove through to Stellenbosch the other day to meet with Dr Pierre Viviers, the concussion guru," he told reporters. "When a guy is totally concussion-free, he starts from a clean sheet again… and that's what we always want."

While he was being carefully managed back from his head knock, Etzebeth also picked up a hamstring injury — adding to the frustrating layoff.

But now, after months of rest, rehab, and medical oversight, the wait is over: Etzebeth is finally set to make his long-awaited comeback this weekend.

It's a timely boost for the Sharks, the Springboks, and for fans who feared we may not see the big man rampaging again any time soon.

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