Who Is Eben Etzebeth's Wife? The Surprising Reason Fans Know Her Already

Tuesday, 23 June 2026 at 06:17

byRugby Rucker

Anlia and Eben Etzebeth are enjoying life as a family of four after welcoming their second daughter in October 2025.

The Springboks legend and his wife, who first became parents in January 2024, shared the happy news with fans when Anlia posted a touching hospital photo alongside the caption:

"One week of us."

Now, as the Etzebeth family continues to capture the attention of rugby fans, many are only just realising that Anlia was already a familiar face long before marrying the two-time Rugby World Cup winner, thanks to her successful career in the entertainment industry.

“No Words Will Ever Be Able to Describe the Feeling”

Their journey into parenthood began when Anlia and Eben welcomed their first daughter on January 16, 2024.
“16•01•24 No words will ever be able to describe the feeling. Thank you lord,” Anlia wrote at the time, accompanying the caption with a heart-melting Instagram photo of their newborn.

A Memorable Pregnancy Reveal

The public first learned the couple was expecting baby No. 1 during a moment that could not have been more iconic. Standing on the pitch of the Stade de France on October 29, 2023, mere minutes after the Springboks lifted their historic fourth Rugby World Cup title, Anlia and Eben announced their first pregnancy in front of the world — and on Eben’s 32nd birthday.

“BLESSINGS upon BLESSINGS! Thank you Lord. Well done Bokke & HAPPY BIRTHDAY my liefste man,” she wrote at the time.

Baby No. 2 — Their “Wildflower Girl”

In May 2025, the couple revealed that baby No. 2 was on the way, affectionately referring to her as their “little wildflower girl.” A pastel-themed baby shower followed months later, and by late October the Etzebeths were celebrating their newest arrival — completing their family of four.

A Love Story Sealed in Franschhoek

The couple tied the knot in February 2023 at the picturesque La Paris Estate in Franschhoek, a venue fitting for their fairy-tale romance. Before crossing paths in Melkbosstrand, north of Cape Town, Anlia was already a rising star in South African entertainment.

Anlia’s Career — A Multi-Talented Performer

Anlia Etzebeth (née van Rensburg) is far more than a “rugby wife” — she has built a dynamic, multi-layered career across acting, music and performance.

? Television & Film Career

Earned an Honours degree in Performing Arts cum laude.

Achieved national recognition as Sasha Richter in the popular Afrikaans series Getroud Met Rugby.

Appeared in productions such as:
- The Last Sacrament
- Agent 2000
- Revolt
- Deep Slate
- Die Spreeus

Landed a role in the HBO sci-fi series Raised by Wolves, produced by Ridley Scott — giving her international exposure.

? Music & Live Performance

Performs under her musical name Anlia Star.
Released her first single in 2021 and continues to create new music.
Known for her powerful voice, she has sung the South African national anthem at several major rugby matches — including the match where Eben celebrated his 100th Test cap.

The highest-paid Springboks (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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