Eben Etzebeth makes retirement decision ahead of Nations Championship

Monday, 08 June 2026 at 08:26

bySteven Smith

newcomers to join the top flight in 2011… but can you remember the rest?

Eben Etzebeth has addressed growing speculation about his future after an injury-hit 2025/26 campaign that has seen him play just 340 minutes across all competitions for club and country.

The double World Cup-winning Springboks lock has endured a frustrating season, with injuries severely limiting his involvement, but the 34-year-old insists retirement is not on his radar.

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Despite concerns over his fitness and increasing questions about how much longer he can continue at the highest level, Etzebeth says his desire to represent South Africa remains as strong as ever.

“I want to wear that No 4 jersey in the green and gold as many times as possible,” he 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.

“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.”

Retirement talk? Etzebeth not done yet

Despite the suspension and growing questions about his long-term future, Etzebeth has made it clear that retirement is not on his radar.

The veteran lock, who has amassed 133 Test caps, insists his hunger to represent South Africa remains undiminished.

“I want to wear that No 4 jersey in the green and gold as many times as possible,” he 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.

Etzebeth, South Africa’s most-capped player with 133 Test appearances, acknowledged the realities of a brutal professional game and how quickly careers can be cut short.

“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.

“Every year the younger guys are just bigger, better and faster. Players like Salmaan Moerat and Ruan Nortje are already world class. They push me to improve – and that’s the way it should be.”

Having managed just 340 minutes of action across all competitions during the 2025/26 season, Etzebeth faces a crucial period as he looks to put his injury troubles behind him and cement his place in the Springboks squad ahead of the next international cycle.

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Best XV in World:

1. Ox Nché (South Africa)

The cornerstone of South Africa's dominant scrum. Nché has become the benchmark loosehead in world rugby, combining devastating scrummaging power with an ever-improving work rate around the field. When the Springboks need a scrum penalty, he's usually the man delivering it.

2. Malcolm Marx (South Africa)

A turnover machine, destructive carrier and elite set-piece operator. Marx remains the complete modern hooker and continues to produce match-winning moments at the highest level.

3. Thomas du Toit (South Africa)

After several outstanding seasons in both club and international rugby, Du Toit has cemented himself as one of the most dominant tightheads in the game. Powerful in the scrum and surprisingly mobile in open play.

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4. Maro Itoje (England)

Back to his very best. Itoje remains rugby's premier lineout disruptor and one of the sport's most influential forwards. His leadership, athleticism and ability to produce huge moments separate him from the pack.

5. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)

The ultimate hybrid lock. Beirne's breakdown work, handling ability and relentless engine make him invaluable. Few forwards have a bigger all-round impact on a game.

6. Charles Ollivon (France)

France's captaincy options may change, but Ollivon's quality never does. An exceptional lineout operator with genuine pace and finishing ability, he remains one of the world's elite blindside flankers.

7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)

The reigning standard for defensive excellence. Du Toit's work rate borders on absurd, while his physicality and ability to dominate collisions make him arguably the world's most complete flanker.

8. Caelan Doris (Ireland)

The heartbeat of Ireland's pack. Doris combines power, skill and leadership with remarkable consistency. At his best, there isn't a No. 8 in world rugby who influences every aspect of the game more effectively.

9. Antoine Dupont (France)

Still the best player on the planet. Dupont dictates games unlike anyone else, capable of changing matches with a moment of genius from anywhere on the field. The easiest selection in this team.

10. Finn Russell (Scotland)

Mercurial, creative and now remarkably consistent. Russell has matured into a complete fly-half who can control territory, unlock defences and deliver under pressure.

11. Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)

The most electric finisher in world rugby. Bielle-Biarrey's acceleration and support lines make him a constant try-scoring threat, while his game intelligence continues to improve.

12. Len Ikitau (Australia)

One of the most underrated players in the sport. Ikitau brings defensive excellence, composure and attacking quality, giving any backline balance and reliability.

13 Tommaso Menoncello (Italy)

Already one of the defining players of Italy's rugby renaissance, Menoncello combines power, athleticism and rugby intelligence in a uniquely complete package. Equally capable of breaking tackles, creating space for teammates or shutting down opposition attacks, he has evolved into one of the most influential centres in world rugby.

14. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa)

A once-in-a-generation talent. Kolbe combines outrageous footwork with world-class defence and aerial ability. Every time he touches the ball, something feels possible.

15. Will Jordan (New Zealand)

The most complete full-back in the game. Jordan's finishing, positioning, counter-attacking threat and try-scoring record place him comfortably at the top of the No.15 rankings.

The Best XV in World Rugby Right Now

15. Will Jordan (New Zealand)
14. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa)
13. Huw Jones (Scotland)
12. Len Ikitau (Australia)
11. Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)
10. Finn Russell (Scotland)
9. Antoine Dupont (France)

8. Caelan Doris (Ireland)
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)
6. Charles Ollivon (France)
5. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
4. Maro Itoje (England)

3. Thomas du Toit (South Africa)
2. Malcolm Marx (South Africa)
1. Ox Nché (South Africa)

Nation breakdown: South Africa (6), France (4), Scotland (2), Ireland (2), England (1), Australia (1), New Zealand (1).