Latest news with #Etzebeth
The Citizen
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘Unlocked': Rugby star Eben Etzebeth launches first book
The book promises an intimate look into Etzebeth's life. Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth has announced the release of his debut book, Unlocked. The book tells the story of Etzebeth's life, from growing up in Goodwood in the Western Cape to his rise in rugby. In a recent Instagram post, Etzebeth shared that the book will be available in October this year. 'Over the past few months, I've taken time to reflect on my journey — the highs, the lows, the lessons, the people, and the moments that have shaped me on and off the field,' he wrote. The book also explores Etzebeth's challenges, aspirations, and what it truly took to wear the green and gold jersey. He described the book as a tribute to those who have supported him throughout his career. 'Unlocked tells my story — from growing up in Goodwood to my aspirations, the challenges I've faced, and what it really took to wear the green and gold. Thank you to everyone who's supported me — this one is for you,' he added. ALSO READ: Six decades of Porsche at Kyalami celebrated with new book The book is available for pre-order While not yet on shelves, Etzebeth said the book is available for pre-order through Takealot, Exclusive Books, Wordsworth, Loot, Readers Warehouse, and other major South African retailers. 'It is also available internationally through Amazon UK, Waterstones, and other outlets.' NOW READ: 'End of an era': Shalate Sekhabi exits House of Zwide
IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Eben Etzebeth not done yet: Springboks' enforcer still burning to wear No 4
Still standing tall: Eben Etzebeth is determined to keep his place in the Bok engine room despite rising pressure from younger rivals. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix The bad news for the Springboks' chief rivals is that Eben Etzebeth's competitive fire burns brighter than ever — and he is determined to hang onto his iconic No 4 jersey for as long as possible. With the Rugby Championship just a month away, the towering lock has issued a timely warning: he feels fresh, fit, and hungry. 'I want to wear that No 4 jersey in the green and gold as many times as possible,' the 133-Test veteran told Rapport. 'The competitive spirit is still strong in me — I'm not giving up my place. I want to be in the team for as long as possible.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Most players of Etzebeth's vintage would be tempted toward the pipe and slippers after a career's worth of bruising battles, but the 33-year-old insists he's far from done. 'I'm not thinking about playing until a certain year — I'm just going to keep pushing. The key is staying fit and avoiding injury, because recovery is harder as you get older. 'The curtain falls for everyone. It came early for Steven Kitshoff, but that was due to injury — it could have happened when he was 24.' Etzebeth admits he keeps a close eye on the younger crop coming through, and while he mentors them, their rise fuels his own fire. 'Every year the younger guys are just bigger, better, and faster,' he said. 'Players like Salmaan Moerat and Ruan Nortje are already world-class. They push me to improve — and that's the way it should be.' This year, Etzebeth has battled concussion issues and barely featured for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship. Yet the enforced lay-off may have been a blessing in disguise. 'I haven't played a lot this year. The body feels good. I feel fresh. I'm ready to get a good couple of games under the belt and perform. 'I struggled with concussions, which kept me out for a few months. It wasn't great for me or the Sharks, but in hindsight, the body was able to rest up a bit. 'When there is an injury, I always try to see the positive in it. You get time away from rugby and spend time with your family, which is always good. 'I played four games this year for the Sharks, so that's not a lot. I played just over 40 minutes against Italy in the first Test (and against Georgia). That's not a lot of match minutes for the year so far, so I feel good.' Etzebeth is part of a core group of Springboks on the wrong side of 30 and under growing scrutiny as the build-up to the 2027 World Cup in Australia begins. Names like Siya Kolisi, Franco Mostert, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Bongi Mbonambi, and Faf de Klerk all face similar questions. But for Etzebeth, the approach is simple: take it one season at a time. 'I don't think the guys are setting goals for themselves to make it this year or that year. We're going year by year, trying to keep performing and be a part of the Bok set-up. 'I try to keep pushing myself and not fall behind when it comes to fitness or running. I try to stay as fit as possible. 'The challenging thing is to keep your body injury-free because when you get older, the recovery is a bit harder — but we're trying hard to keep being in the mix.'
The Citizen
22-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Springbok fire still burns fiercely for Eben Etzebeth: ‘My ultimate drive'
The second row two-time World Cup winner is as motivated as ever to run out for the Springboks. Springbok enforcer Eben Etzebeth has won almost everything possible in rugby, and is set to go down as one of the greatest players in Springbok and international history. The 33-year-old's major achievements include two World Cups, two Rugby Championships, two South African player of the year awards, British & Irish Lions series winner, while he is also a three time World Rugby player of the year nominee. He has captained the Springboks on a number of occasions, and last year became the most capped Springbok player of all time, passing fellow lock legend Victor Matfield's record of 127 caps, with him now sitting on 131. 'Ultimate goal' Heading into another big international season Etzebeth said that the fire to put on the green and gold still burned brightly for him, and that he was looking forward to another strong season. 'For me, it's putting on the jersey one more time. I think that's the ultimate goal. That's my ultimate drive in rugby. I think the day the Bok jersey is not there anymore, and I can't play for it, it will be a very sad day for me personally,' said Etzebeth. 'So that motivates me. When I'm injured, when I have setbacks, to come back thinking that I might have an opportunity to represent South Africa. To run out at a full Loftus or Cape Town Stadium or wherever in South Africa, that's the ultimate feeling, the ultimate drive. 'It's amazing to go out there in front of 50,000 people, they're all cheering for the Boks, they're all wanting us to unite the country. You don't need much more motivation than that.' Another World Cup victory A possible, unprecedented third straight Rugby World Cup title in Australia is a big carrot that Etzebeth can't deny, and keeping the Boks at the top of the world rankings is a big goal of his over the coming years. 'To be part of Rassie's group, that's it. It's a little bit different from when they (the coaching team) arrived in 2018. It's special, but I think they want to make it even more special, and to take the group even higher,' said Etzebeth. 'I would like to be a part of that. Yes, there will be another World Cup in a couple of years. It will be incredible, but we all know how difficult it will be. I think everyone who has always wanted it, will come for it. 'We know that we are not the only team with a chance and teams learn fast. That means we won't be able to do what we did last year. We will have to get better, we will have to be stronger. 'Because if you just stay the same, you won't stay at the top. I think that's our challenge. It's also a challenge for me to be a part of the group that keeps getting better and keeps trying to stay number one.'
IOL News
20-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
‘I am a bit fresher, and my body is feeling good': Eben Etzebeth puts injury woes behind him to get set for Springbok Tests
Eben Etzebeth (centre), seen here during Springbok training in Johannesburg this week, is ready for Test rugby after a season full of injuries at the Sharks. Photo: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Image: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media After a frustrating United Rugby Championship campaign, where injuries derailed his participation in crucial matches for the Sharks – including the semi-final against the Bulls – Eben Etzebeth is ready to put all his energy into the Springboks' season. The centurion played a small part in the URC after a concussion and recurring symptoms kept him on the sidelines for a couple of months, before a calf strain and a knock kept him out of other games. Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth on how injuries disrupted his season. WATCH full press conference ➡️➡️➡️ — Mahlatse Mphahlele (@BraMahlatse) June 18, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The Sharks bowed out at the semi-final stage at Loftus Versfeld, and although he could not be part of the match, Etzebeth is fired up to get the international season going. He says he is cleared of the concussions, and will approach the international season fresh and injury-free. 'I've recovered from everything... it's all in the past," the 33-year-old said this week. 'I didn't have a good run with the Sharks, with an injury and a concussion that kept me out for about four-and-a-half months, which wasn't ideal. 'However, I recovered and got a few games with the Sharks at the back-end of the season. 'Then, I suffered a small setback at training just before the semi-final, which was a minor one. 'I am fully back in training, and excited for the Springbok season ahead.' Etzebeth said he looked at his injuries of the last few months positively, without needing to focus on anything negative. He added that it wasn't ideal that he did not play as much rugby for the Sharks as he had wanted, but at the end of the day, he could rest his body a bit more and recover properly. The towering lock also has a young family, and was able to spend time with them before the busy Test season. 'When you play week in and week out, you get battered and bruised, and you only recover from it on a Tuesday. 'I am a bit fresher, and my body is feeling good. I spent time with my family, but didn't do nothing. 'You still do rehab and work on maybe a shoulder that has been niggling you in the past... you get that back to full strength. Francois Venter 🤝 Rohan Janse van Rensburg Almost time for the Springboks to take on the Barbarians. Tickets are available here 🔗 #Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold — Springboks (@Springboks) June 17, 2025 'Like that, you get your entire body up to speed and strong enough to play again. 'Yes, I might not be match-sharp, but there have been plenty of other positives. Hopefully, those (niggles) don't affect me in the upcoming months.' He is eager to be involved in the Boks' first match against the Barbarians next Saturday in Cape Town. They take on the invitational side ahead of double Tests against Italy and a one-off against Georgia in the mid-year matches. While they can't do too much analysis on the Baabaas because they don't know what to expect, Etzebeth believes that they will face a strong side – which will be coached by Robbie Deans and will include the likes of Conor Murray, Peter O'Mahony and Sam Cane – eager to beat the world champions. 'Everyone wants to play (against the Barbarians). After finishing on a high last year, you want to be involved in the first (Springbok) match of the new season,' the Bok No 4 said. 'It will be an exciting game. The Barbarians have a good time during the week, but on Saturday, they pitch up. 'A few of them will play their final international game, and they will want to prove something against the Springboks.'
Daily Maverick
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Etzebeth times his fitness run perfectly for international season with Springboks
The pattern of missing large swathes of club rugby while representing the Boks with distinction has plagued (benefited?) Eben Etzebeth's international career and probably added to his longevity. Like a fine sprinter who times their run to the line perfectly, Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth has a habit of timing his fitness to coincide with the national team's needs. It may just be blind luck that the brilliant second-rower, the most-capped Springbok in history with 131 Test appearances, often misses large chunks of the club season but is generally available for the Boks. No one plans injuries. Just look at RG Snyman. In four years with Irish club Munster he played fewer than 2o games. In his initial three seasons with Munster he played a total of 54 minutes after being cut down with a variety of injuries. Yet, in his first season with Irish rivals Leinster, Snyman featured more than 20 times, was ever-present for selection and won Player of the Year. If you're a Munster fan it must hurt. Sharks fans might feel something similar with regards to Etzebeth and his long periods of absence. He has missed about six months of the club campaign in the United Rugby Championship (URC) and Champions and Challenge Cups over the past two seasons. Yet in that time he has hardly missed a Bok Test through injury. Lucky for South Africa, not so lucky for the Sharks. This week, after an injury-plagued URC season, in which Etzebeth missed about 20 weeks, primarily through complications from concussion, but also because of mandatory Bok resting protocols, the great man announced himself ready for the Test season. 'I've recovered from everything now,' Etzebeth said at a pre-season media gathering 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 semifinal, but I'm fully back in training and very excited for the rest of the season. '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.' Motivated The pattern of missing large swathes of club rugby while representing the Boks with distinction has plagued (benefited?) Etzebeth's international career and probably added to his longevity. Etzebeth made his Test debut as a 21-year-old against England in June 2012, having made 13 Stormers appearances in Super Rugby that year. He became the youngest player, at 24, to reach 50 Test caps when he achieved that milestone in September 2016 against the Wallabies. Remarkably though, in the three-and-a-half Super Rugby seasons following his Test debut in 2012, he only made another 29 Stormers appearances by the time he left in 2015. When he reached his 50th Test cap he had played a total of 42 times for the Stormers in five seasons and a further eight times for NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes in Japan. Etzebeth's 100th Test cap followed in Cape Town against Wales in July 2022 while he was contracted to French club Toulon, for whom he made 40 appearances. Now, at 33, he is comfortably on course for 150 Test caps given that his performances have been nothing short of stellar at Test level for the past two seasons. And he keeps improving. In 2023 and 2024 he was shortlisted for World Player of the Year, losing out to Ardie Savea and Pieter-Steph du Toit respectively. It was unlucky, but everyone in his team knows, understands and appreciates his contribution and value. And despite his 'hard man/enforcer' reputation, Etzebeth has only received three yellow cards in those 131 appearances. 'As you gain more experience, you gain a greater appreciation for the flow of the game,' Etzebeth told this writer on the eve of his 100th Test. 'You get an idea of the referees and what they're looking for. While you play on the edge, you don't push it too far.' And having won almost everything there is to win in the game from a Springbok perspective, is he still as motivated as before?'I've been asked that a few times. For me, it's about putting on the Springbok jersey one more time,' Etzebeth said this week. '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.' Lood back Along with Snyman, who missed most of the period between 2020 and 2023 through injury, and veteran warhorse Franco Mostert, the Boks have a quartet of quality, grizzled warhorses to choose from. 'It's amazing to have him (De Jager) 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 (at the Saitama Wild Knights in Japan). He's an exceptional player.'
