Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth hasn’t featured since December 7, suffering concussion in the Shark’s European Champions Cup clash against Exeter Chiefs.
The standard recovery time for such an injury is twenty-one days, but that hasn’t been the case for the double World Cup winner, who has been out for over two months.
According to the Sharks medical team, Etzebeth is experiencing a relapse in symptoms, hindering him from passing the mandatory Head Injury Assessment (HIA).
“[Etzebeth has] suffered a return of symptoms of his recent concussion,” a spokesperson confirmed.
“The Sharks take this injury seriously, and player welfare remains our priority. Eben is being managed by concussion specialists. He will be cleared to return once they are satisfied his injury has completely resolved.”
Although early retirement is yet to be threatened, it’s not overly presumptuous to assume that Springboks’ most-capped player is a walking a vicarious tightrope between continuing and being forced to hang up his boots.
A legend of the game
The Cape Town native will be forever etched into South African rugby folklore; when it is all said and done, Etzebeth will be regarded as one of the greatest ever to wear the green and gold jersey – but, perhaps selfishly, we hope his closing act isn’t anytime soon, there’s a World Cup three-peat on the horizon.
Kolisi starting role threatened
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is also entering the twilight of his career, and is aware of the competition he faces for retaining his starting spot, saying, “to be honest, I’m not thinking about the captaincy. I just want to make the team,
“The most important thing for me is to have the chance to play for the Springboks. Whether I’m captain or not is not in my control. I just want to play well enough to be part of the team, and to hopefully make it to the 2027 World Cup.”
What is your favourite Springbok Eztebeth memory?
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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/springbok-legend-to-be-forced-into-early-retirement/
