Springbok and Sharks lock Eben Etzebeth has revealed that he hopes to be back very soon after struggling with concussion symptoms.
The star second-rower has not played since their Champions Cup tie against Exeter Chiefs on December 7 after suffering a head injury.
It has been over two months since that encounter but symptoms have persisted and he has been unable to play a part in the Sharks‘ URC campaign.
However, Etzebeth believes that he could well be back playing sooner rather than later, telling Rapport: “If everything goes well, I will be playing again within the next few weeks.”
The second-row is currently being managed very carefully by the Sharks, as the South African side revealed when they released a statement earlier this month.
“The Sharks take this injury very seriously and player welfare remains our top priority. Eben is being managed by concussion specialists,” it read.
“He will be cleared to return once they are fully satisfied that his injury has completely resolved.”
According to Rapport, it is unclear whether Etzebeth will be available for selection for their clash with the Lions next weekend, but he appears to be on the road to recovery.
The 33-year-old has been a key player for club and country, with his durability enabling him to earn 131 caps in 12 years as an international.
He has overtaken Victor Matfield as the most-capped Springbok and last month discussed his motivation for staying in the Test reckoning.
“The Springboks mean a lot to me and so it does for so many other players,” he told Times’ Ruck Rugby podcast in early January.
“Every year you want to be on top of your game to be in that squad and force your way into the starting XV. So that’s always been my biggest motivation to be part of the team and to be selected and not let a young guy come through to take your position.”
Etzebeth insists there is still much he wants to achieve in rugby and is determined to still be in the picture come 2027.
“Obviously, Rugby World Cup 2027 is at the back of everyone’s mind but going into 2025 at club level, I don’t think I’ve been that successful at club level and won too many trophies so I’d love to be more successful with the Sharks, whether that’s in Europe or the URC.
“That’s the motivation but also personally stay on top of my game for as long as possible and not get thrown out of the system because you are not good enough anymore but rather just keep on performing and being part of the plans.”
