One has to absorb plenty of hits to become the Springbok’s most capped-ever player.
Eben Etzebeth, who achieved that feat last year, hasn’t played since December 7 after suffering concussion against Exeter City in the European Champions Cup.
SA Rugby protocol states that players who sustain such an injury can return after twenty-one days following a positive Head Injury Assessment (HIA); that hasn’t been the case for the Springbok leader.
Over sixty days on from being forced off the pitch, Etzebeth is yet to pass the HIA, causing concern for premature retirement – Sharks released a statement stating that the 33-year-old is experiencing a relapse in symptoms: “[Etzebeth has] suffered a return of symptoms of his recent concussion,
“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.”
While there’s been no speculation of early retirement, one can only presume – based on the timeline – that Etzebeth is on the cusp of making a big career decision: to hang up the boots or march on.
Kolisi on Springboks starting role
Etzebeth’s partner in crime, Siya Kolisi, has opened up about the competition he faces for a Springbok role, 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.”
Wish Etzebeth a speedy recovery below
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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/springbok-news-eben-eztebeths-career-in-doubt-is-retirement-looming/
