"Etzebeth replacement" - Former England star approached for Springbok call-up

Monday, 08 December 2025 at 19:45

byRugby Rucker

England international David Ribbans could
shock the rugby world by switching allegiance to the Springboks ahead of the next Rugby World Cup, with the powerhouse lock now officially eligible to represent his birth nation.

The 30-year-old hasn’t worn the Red Rose since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and with World Rugby’s three-year stand-down period almost complete, Ribbans is on the brink of becoming selectable for South Africa.

According to reports, Rassie Erasmus has already picked up the phone, sounding out the giant lock as he looks to bolster his second-row stocks. Eben Etzebeth’s recent dip in form—followed by his lengthy suspension for an eye-gouge—has only intensified the Bok boss’s search for reinforcements.

Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.

“It would feel strange” – Ribbans breaks silence on possible switch

Ribbans has addressed the speculation directly, admitting the Springbok question has followed him ever since he moved to Toulon — but he remains conflicted.

The former Northampton Saints star said he wouldn’t rule out representing South Africa one day but insisted it doesn’t sit entirely comfortably:

“You never say never… but I find it a bit strange when players play for two countries.”

He also suggested a switch could feel disrespectful to England after earning 11 caps:

“I’d put aside the potential glory because it wouldn’t be right towards England.”

Despite that, the door remains firmly open — and Ribbans knows it.

Springboks watching as Etzebeth shows signs of slowing down

If Ribbans ever wanted to join South Africa’s lock ranks, timing might be on his side.

Eben Etzebeth, long considered the world’s premier second-row enforcer, has recently shown the first hints of fading powers. Concussion concerns, recurring knocks and longer recovery windows have begun to raise eyebrows among Springbok supporters.

Etzebeth, now 34 and with a decade of Test rugby behind him, has bravely fought his way back to fitness — but even he admits the miles on the clock are starting to count:

“As you get older, injuries take a bigger toll.”

With the Springboks potentially needing fresh muscle in the engine room over the next World Cup cycle, Ribbans — powerful, mobile and thriving in the Top 14 — suddenly looks like a very real option.

2027 Rugby World Cup draw confirmed:

Each of the six pools featured a team from Bands 1, 2, 3 and 4.

The confirmed Bands based on rankings were:

Band 1: South Africa, New Zealand, England, Ireland, France, Argentina
Band 2: Australia, Fiji, Scotland, Italy, Wales, Japan
Band 3: Georgia, Uruguay, Spain, USA, Chile, Tonga
Band 4: Samoa, Portugal, Romania, Hong Kong China, Zimbabwe, Canada

2027 Rugby World Cup draw:

Pool A

New Zealand – Perennial contenders with flair, power and unmatched rugby IQ.
Australia – Unpredictable but dangerous, capable of brilliance on their day.
Chile – Fast-improving newcomers bringing passion and fearless physicality.
Hong Kong China – Skillful, energetic, and eager to prove themselves on the global stage.

Pool B

South Africa – Brutal, relentless, and brutally efficient—never count them out.
Italy – Developing rapidly, mixing strong set-piece work with expanding ambition.
Georgia – Scrum specialists with raw forward strength and growing all-round polish.
Romania – Proud and powerful, known for toughness and unwavering fight.

Pool C

Argentina – Dynamic, crafty, and fiercely competitive with a never-say-die spirit.
Fiji – Magical offloads, searing pace, and unique unpredictability.
Spain – Determined climbers building consistency and confidence every year.
Canada – Physical and committed, working to regain their traditional sharpness.

Pool D

Ireland – Well-drilled, intelligent, and ruthlessly efficient across the park.
Scotland – Creative attackers with growing confidence and slick backline play.
Uruguay – Tenacious, organized, and fearless against bigger rugby nations.
Portugal – Exciting, fast-paced, and thriving with a young, fearless core.

Pool E

France – Electric, unpredictable, and capable of brilliance from anywhere.
Japan – High-tempo, disciplined, and tactically sharp—they never stop moving.
USA – Athletic and physical, with a growing pool of exciting talent.
Samoa – Bone-shaking tackles, powerful runners, and trademark island flair.

Pool F

England – Structured, strategic, and capable of grinding down any opponent.
Wales – Proud, passionate, and dangerous when the momentum swings their way.
Tonga – Heavy hitters with explosive power and fearless intensity.
Zimbabwe – Energetic and ambitious, bringing speed and spirit to every contest.

Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players

From jaw-dropping tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable haircuts), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don’t instantly come to mind, we suggest a quick trip to YouTube to jog your memory. Trust us, it’s worth it.

Ready to test your knowledge? Let’s see if you’ve still got it. Good luck!