Eben Etzebeth, born on 29 October 1991, is a South African professional rugby union player known for his formidable presence as a number 4 lock. He currently plays for the South Africa national team and the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship.
Etzebeth's rise as a second-row force has been nothing short of meteoric, with many considering him as a potential successor to the legacy of the legendary Bakkies Botha. Standing at an imposing height of 2.03 meters (6 feet 8 inches) and weighing 123 kilograms, he possesses the physical attributes and skills necessary to become a true Springbok legend.
His exceptional talent was evident early on, as he shone at the U20 World Cup for the Baby Boks in 2011. This led to his debut in Super Rugby for the Stormers, where he immediately made an impact. In June 2012, he earned his first Springbok cap against England, showcasing his immense potential on the international stage.
Since then, Etzebeth has established himself as a key figure in the Springbok team, making the number 4 jersey his own through consistently outstanding performances. Despite battling with injuries, he returned to represent the Springboks in both the Rugby Championship and the Rugby World Cup in 2015.
Following a brief stint in Japan, Etzebeth rejoined the Stormers in 2016, continuing to make significant contributions to the team. He achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the youngest South African player to reach 50 test caps during the Rugby Championship in 2016, facing Australia.
In the absence of Warren Whiteley, Etzebeth was named as the captain of the Springboks in August 2017, highlighting his leadership qualities and influence within the team. Although he faced injury setbacks, he remained a pivotal figure in both the Springbok and Super Rugby squads, accumulating an impressive record of 68 test caps and 54 Super Rugby caps.
Despite missing out on the Springbok squad for the June Test series against England in 2018, Etzebeth made a triumphant return during the Rugby Championship later that year. He continued to demonstrate his fierce and aggressive style of play, solidifying his reputation as one of the premier locks in international rugby.
In December 2018, it was announced that Etzebeth would join Top 14 side Toulon after the 2019 Rugby World Cup. He played an instrumental role in the Springboks' successful World Cup campaign, culminating in a victory over England in the final.
Etzebeth extended his contract with Toulon until at least 2025 and remained a key figure in the Springbok setup. He was included in the squad to face the British and Irish Lions, as well as Georgia, amassing an impressive tally of 85 test caps. Additionally, he featured for the South Africa A team, contributing to their 17-13 victory over Warren Gatland's charges.
With his combination of strength, skill, and leadership, Eben Etzebeth continues to be a dominant force in the world of rugby, leaving a lasting impact on the teams he represents.
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023, Etzebeth has been named in the South African training squad.