Eben Etzebeth opens up on ‘not ideal’ situation with Springboks
Rugby NewsFriday, 22 August 2025 at 20:13
Springbok powerhouse Eben Etzebeth has laughed off suggestions that he is still struggling with injury, insisting he is fully fit and ready to spearhead South Africa’s international campaign.
The 32-year-old second-rower became the most-capped men’s international rugby player of all time last week, despite the world champions slipping to a surprise defeat against Australia.
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Some critics questioned whether Etzebeth was still carrying a knock after a subdued display, but the enforcer was quick to silence those doubts.
“I’ve recovered from everything; that’s all in the past,” he said of his injuries. “Obviously, didn’t have such a good run at the Sharks with injury, concussion.
“It kept me out for about four, four and a half months, which wasn’t ideal.
“But, yeah, I recovered. I got a few games for the Sharks at the back end of the season. And then just suffered a small setback in training just before the semi-final.
“That was just a minor one. I’m fully back in training. I’m very excited for the Springbok season ahead.”
Etzebeth admitted that his club campaign was frustrating, but he has chosen to take a glass-half-full approach.
“Yeah, I think you can look at it in two ways. Either negative or positive. I try to look at things in life in a positive manner,” said Etzebeth.
“And for me, obviously, it’s not ideal that I don’t play as much rugby for the Sharks as I wanted to this season. But at the end of the day, your body’s resting up a bit.
‘I’m a bit fresher.’
And while Etzebeth’s focus remains firmly on the green and gold, RUCK understands that a blockbuster Gallagher Premiership move could be on the cards post-2027 Rugby World Cup.
By then, the bruising lock will be almost 36 and potentially rugby’s most-capped player in history – a glittering CV that has already sparked significant interest across Europe.
One side to watch closely are the newly ambitious Newcastle Red Bulls, who, following their big-money takeover, are eyeing global superstars to lead their project.
Etzebeth has battled concussion setbacks in the past, but his hunger for success shows no sign of fading. His eyes, for now, remain locked on Springbok glory – but a swansong stint in England looks increasingly inevitable.
EDITORS PICKS:
2027 Rugby World Cup draw: England to play Hong Kong
The tournament’s structure and timing now better reflect current global rankings, thanks to a late pool draw in December this year made possible by reforms in 2022.
Here’s a breakdown of the predicted groups and team bios for the RWC 2027:
? Group A
New Zealand ??
The legendary All Blacks need no introduction—three-time world champions with a relentless pursuit of perfection and a legacy of innovation.
The legendary All Blacks need no introduction—three-time world champions with a relentless pursuit of perfection and a legacy of innovation.
Argentina ??
Los Pumas continue to rise as a Tier 1 nation, combining flair and fearlessness. Semifinalists in 2007 and 2015, they’re known for big-game upsets.
Los Pumas continue to rise as a Tier 1 nation, combining flair and fearlessness. Semifinalists in 2007 and 2015, they’re known for big-game upsets.
Samoa ??
With deep roots in rugby tradition, Samoa’s raw physicality and natural flair make them one of the most dangerous Tier 2 teams in the game.
With deep roots in rugby tradition, Samoa’s raw physicality and natural flair make them one of the most dangerous Tier 2 teams in the game.
Tonga ??
The ‘Ikale Tahi’ bring bone-crunching tackles and island pride. With several stars playing abroad, Tonga is always capable of springing a surprise.
The ‘Ikale Tahi’ bring bone-crunching tackles and island pride. With several stars playing abroad, Tonga is always capable of springing a surprise.
? Group B
Ireland ??
The current Six Nations champions and long-time world number one, Ireland seek to finally break their quarterfinal curse with a golden generation.
The current Six Nations champions and long-time world number one, Ireland seek to finally break their quarterfinal curse with a golden generation.
Scotland ?
A Six Nations stalwart, Scotland blends tactical kicking and dynamic playmakers, looking to go beyond the quarterfinals for the first time since 1991.
A Six Nations stalwart, Scotland blends tactical kicking and dynamic playmakers, looking to go beyond the quarterfinals for the first time since 1991.
Japan ??
The Brave Blossoms became global darlings in 2019 with a stunning quarterfinal run. Expect lightning-quick rucks and passionate homegrown talent.
The Brave Blossoms became global darlings in 2019 with a stunning quarterfinal run. Expect lightning-quick rucks and passionate homegrown talent.
Chile ??
One of the emerging forces from South America, Chile made its first RWC appearance in 2023. Physical, proud, and improving fast.
One of the emerging forces from South America, Chile made its first RWC appearance in 2023. Physical, proud, and improving fast.
☘️ Group C
South Africa ??
The reigning world champions and four-time RWC winners, the Springboks bring a powerhouse blend of physicality, tactical brilliance, and iconic leadership.
The reigning world champions and four-time RWC winners, the Springboks bring a powerhouse blend of physicality, tactical brilliance, and iconic leadership.
Fiji ??
Masters of running rugby, Fiji’s offloading game and growing discipline under top-tier coaching make them a serious threat to any opponent.
Masters of running rugby, Fiji’s offloading game and growing discipline under top-tier coaching make them a serious threat to any opponent.
Spain ??
Los Leones are rapidly growing in the European rugby scene, blending speed and flair. Their qualification signals a new frontier for Spanish sport.
Los Leones are rapidly growing in the European rugby scene, blending speed and flair. Their qualification signals a new frontier for Spanish sport.
Romania ??
One of Europe’s oldest rugby nations, the Oaks are known for forward dominance and proud World Cup heritage dating back to the tournament's inception.
One of Europe’s oldest rugby nations, the Oaks are known for forward dominance and proud World Cup heritage dating back to the tournament's inception.
?? Group D
France ??
With dazzling backs and a rock-solid forward pack, Les Bleus are perennial contenders. Hosting in 2023 has reinvigorated their World Cup ambitions.
With dazzling backs and a rock-solid forward pack, Les Bleus are perennial contenders. Hosting in 2023 has reinvigorated their World Cup ambitions.
Italy ??
Improving steadily in the Six Nations, Italy combines young talent with seasoned veterans, eager to progress past the pool stage for the first time.
Improving steadily in the Six Nations, Italy combines young talent with seasoned veterans, eager to progress past the pool stage for the first time.
USA ??
The Eagles are building toward hosting the 2031 RWC, and 2027 will be a crucial stepping stone. Athleticism is abundant—structure is the next step.
The Eagles are building toward hosting the 2031 RWC, and 2027 will be a crucial stepping stone. Athleticism is abundant—structure is the next step.
Belgium ??
A surprise qualifier, Belgium’s Black Devils have risen thanks to domestic development and strategic coaching. This is their chance to make history.
A surprise qualifier, Belgium’s Black Devils have risen thanks to domestic development and strategic coaching. This is their chance to make history.
?☠️ Group E
England ?
The 2003 world champions remain a major force. With a powerful set piece and tactical nous, they always make deep runs in World Cups.
The 2003 world champions remain a major force. With a powerful set piece and tactical nous, they always make deep runs in World Cups.
Georgia ??
Kings of the scrum, Georgia has long pushed for inclusion in the Six Nations. 2027 could be their breakout year on the global stage.
Kings of the scrum, Georgia has long pushed for inclusion in the Six Nations. 2027 could be their breakout year on the global stage.
Uruguay ??
Los Teros have become a staple at RWCs and continue to punch above their weight, fueled by tenacity and growing domestic structures.
Los Teros have become a staple at RWCs and continue to punch above their weight, fueled by tenacity and growing domestic structures.
Hong Kong China ??
A fast-developing rugby nation, Hong Kong brings agility and speed. Their appearance in 2027 is a testament to Asia’s growing rugby footprint.
A fast-developing rugby nation, Hong Kong brings agility and speed. Their appearance in 2027 is a testament to Asia’s growing rugby footprint.
? Group F
Australia ?? (Host)
Two-time champions and hosts of RWC 2027, the Wallabies are looking to bounce back from recent struggles with the home crowd behind them.
Two-time champions and hosts of RWC 2027, the Wallabies are looking to bounce back from recent struggles with the home crowd behind them.
Wales ?
A proud rugby nation with three semifinal appearances, Wales combines tradition with explosive talent in the backline.
A proud rugby nation with three semifinal appearances, Wales combines tradition with explosive talent in the backline.
Portugal ??
The "Lobos" won hearts in 2023 with their fearless play. Technically sharp and fast-improving, they are no longer underdogs.
The "Lobos" won hearts in 2023 with their fearless play. Technically sharp and fast-improving, they are no longer underdogs.
Zimbabwe ??
Returning to the RWC stage for the first time in decades, Zimbabwe’s qualification marks a historic comeback for African rugby.
Returning to the RWC stage for the first time in decades, Zimbabwe’s qualification marks a historic comeback for African rugby.
?️ A Tournament of Opportunity
The expanded format ensures more nations, more stories, and more reasons to believe in rugby’s global mission. For some teams, it’s about lifting the Webb Ellis Cup. For others, it’s about making history, inspiring a new generation, and proving that rugby is for everyone, everywhere.
With Australia as the host—rugby-mad and world-class—the stage is set for the most inclusive Rugby World Cup ever.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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