"It's simple" - Eben Etzebeth makes his feelings clear on retirement

Saturday, 11 July 2026 at 11:29

bySteven Smith

Eben Etzebeth has never hidden his desire to play for the Springboks for as long as possible.

But after the South Africa lock was once again stood down with concussion symptoms during the 2026 Nations Championship, those comments have taken on added significance.

The 34-year-old has enjoyed one of the greatest careers in rugby history, winning two Rugby World Cups and becoming South Africa's most-capped player. However, his latest setback has inevitably reignited discussion around player welfare and how much longer the Springboks enforcer can continue.

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Despite the growing concern, retirement has never been on Etzebeth's mind.

Speaking after becoming South Africa's record appearance holder in 2024, he made his intentions crystal clear.

"I want to play as long as I can. As long as I'm fit, healthy and getting selected, I want to keep playing."

He added:

"If the coaches still believe in me and my body holds up, then I'll continue representing South Africa."

Those comments reflected the mindset that has made Etzebeth one of rugby's most feared forwards for more than a decade.

Earlier this year, he also explained why his motivation remains as strong as ever.

"For me it's quite simple, just playing for the Springboks is the biggest motivation. It is such an honour representing my country every weekend."

He also admitted that every season brings a new challenge.

"Every year you want to be on top of your game to be in that squad and force your way into the starting XV. That's always been my biggest motivation – not letting a young guy come through and take your position."

Latest concussion setback

Etzebeth's latest absence comes after he was stood down with concussion symptoms during South Africa's July internationals.

It follows another lengthy spell on the sidelines in 2025, when recurring concussion symptoms ruled him out for more than four months before he eventually returned to action.

Speaking after that comeback, Etzebeth revealed how difficult the lay-off had been.

"I've recovered from everything; that's all in the past."

Rather than dwell on the setback, he said he had tried to stay positive and enjoy the extra time with his family while recovering.

Eben Etzebeth: Concussion timeline

2016 – Suffers a concussion while playing for South Africa against England.

2019 – Misses matches following another concussion during Super Rugby.

2021 – Suffers three separate concussions while playing for Toulon, keeping him out for around three months.

2025 – Sustains a concussion while playing for the Sharks in the Investec Champions Cup. Recurring symptoms lead to a four-month absence and specialist assessment before returning.

July 2026 – Stood down once again with concussion symptoms during the Nations Championship.

A delicate balance

Etzebeth has never suggested retirement is imminent. In fact, every public comment points in the opposite direction.

His ambition is clear: continue playing for South Africa for as long as his body allows.

But with another concussion now added to an already concerning history of head injuries, the Springboks and their medical team are likely to continue taking an extremely cautious approach to one of the game's greatest ever second rows.

For now, Etzebeth's own words remain unchanged.

As long as he is fit, healthy and selected, he wants to keep wearing the green and gold.

The highest-paid Springboks (Latest Season - Ranked 6-1)

This list breaks down the highest paid Springboks, highlighting their clubs, impact on the game, and what sets them apart financially and on the pitch.

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6 Damian de Allende (£460,000 – Panasonic Wild Knights, Japan)

A model of consistency in the Springbok midfield, Damian de Allende has been well rewarded since moving to Japan. Comfortable at centre and occasionally on the wing, his powerful running and defensive reliability make him a key asset wherever he plays.

De Allende was part of South Africa’s historic World Cup triumphs in both 2019 and 2023, placing him among the elite group of players to have lifted the trophy twice. His contract with Panasonic Wild Knights reflects both his experience at the highest level and his enduring value to the Springbok setup.

5 Handré Pollard (600,000 – Vodacom Bulls, South Africa)

Still regarded as one of the world’s premier fly-halves, Handré Pollard commands a salary befitting his reputation. Although he accepted a pay cut during his time at Leicester Tigers, he remained among rugby’s top earners before returning to South Africa to play for the Bulls.

Pollard famously started in the 2019 World Cup final victory, where he also featured at inside centre, underlining his tactical importance to the Springboks. With spells in Japan, France, England and South Africa, he is one of a select group of players to have won multiple Rugby World Cups.

4 Eben Etzebeth (£770,000 – Hollywoodbets Sharks, South Africa)

South Africa’s towering lock and one of the most feared forwards in world rugby, Eben Etzebeth earns a reported annual salary of around R18 million (roughly £770,000) with the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship. This places him among the top-paid players in South African domestic rugby, reflecting his value as a dominant second-row presence and cornerstone of the Sharks pack.

Having previously starred for the Stormers, had a lucrative stint with Toulon, and now anchoring Durban’s engine room, Etzebeth combines raw physicality with experience and consistency. A two-time Rugby World Cup winner and South Africa’s most capped player, his influence extends beyond mere salary figures — his role in the Springboks’ forward dominance is pivotal.

Etzebeth’s earnings illustrate both his on-field impact and the financial realities of South African rugby: lower relative to some overseas contracts, but still significant within the domestic game.

3 Siya Kolisi (£775,000 – Hollywoodbets Sharks, South Africa)

South Africa’s inspirational captain and two-time World Cup winner, Siya Kolisi combines leadership, influence and star appeal, earning around £775,000 per year with the Sharks. Having previously represented the Stormers and Racing 92, Kolisi now anchors Durban’s franchise as a dynamic flanker and loose forward.

Appointed Springbok captain in 2018, he became the first black player to hold the role, later leading South Africa to World Cup glory in both 2019 and 2023. His salary reflects not only his on-field impact but his significance to South African rugby as a whole.

2 Faf de Klerk (£900,000 – Yokohama Canon Eagles, Japan)

Renowned for his fiery competitiveness and tireless work rate, Faf de Klerk continues to capitalise on his global popularity in Japan. The Springbok scrum-half earns close to £900,000 with Yokohama Canon Eagles, making him one of the highest-paid players in League One.

A key figure in South Africa’s World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023, de Klerk remains in demand, with rumours linking him to a return to Sale Sharks. However, salary cap restrictions could prevent him from matching his current earnings.

1 Cheslin Kolbe (£930,000 – Tokyo Sungoliath, Japan)

At the top of the list is Cheslin Kolbe, whose breathtaking footwork and match-winning flair have made him the highest-paid player in Japan Rugby League One. Earning an estimated £930,000 with Tokyo Sungoliath, Kolbe has redefined attacking rugby with his ability to influence games from wing, fullback and even fly-half.

A two-time World Cup winner with South Africa, he has also enjoyed success across club rugby in France and South Africa, collecting domestic and European honours along the way. Widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation, Kolbe’s salary places him among the highest earners in world rugby.

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