The 2025 season has been a tough one for Eben Etzebeth, who spent much of the year sidelined from the Sharks’ URC and Champions Cup campaigns due to various injuries.
A lengthy concussion and its lingering symptoms kept him out for several months, followed by a hamstring strain sustained during a Springbok training camp in March. On top of that, a training injury ruled him out of the Sharks’ crucial URC semi-final.
Now back with the Springboks, Etzebeth sees his extended time off as a chance to fully recover and recharge ahead of the demanding international season.
“I’ve gotten through all the setbacks,” Etzebeth told reporters in Johannesburg. “It wasn’t the best run — being out for over four months due to concussion and injury was far from ideal. Then a minor issue just before the semi-final. But I’m back training fully now and excited for what’s next.”
He admits that injuries take a greater toll with age but believes the rest has helped him strengthen his body.
“You don’t just rest — you rehab and focus on areas that need attention to get your whole body strong again. Missing game time is frustrating, but there are positives: healing properly and spending quality time with family.”
As the Springboks plan for the future, they will carefully manage the 33-year-old lock, who became the most-capped South African player last year with 131 Tests.
Etzebeth is determined to keep going strong. “The day I can’t play for the Boks will be heartbreaking. There’s nothing like stepping onto the field in front of 50,000 South African fans at places like Loftus or Cape Town — it’s truly special and fuels my motivation every time.”
