Eben Etzebeth’s previous comments about his concussion problems have resurfaced following the confusion surrounding his injury against Australia.
The Springboks lock was involved in a strange sequence during South Africa’s dramatic 42-38 defeat in Perth.
Etzebeth left the field after taking a blow around the neck area, with Rassie Erasmus initially believing he had gone off for a Head Injury Assessment.
That wasn’t the case.
Etzebeth had instead been recorded as injured and was able to return around three minutes later, before eventually leaving the field again.
As RUCK reported after the match, Erasmus admitted there had been some confusion over what had happened.
“He had a shot against the neck and I thought he was going for HIA.”
Erasmus later said Etzebeth was “a bit stiff and sore”, but played down fears that the lock had suffered a serious injury.
Etzebeth has spoken about concussion before
The incident has inevitably brought Etzebeth’s previous concussion problems back into focus.
The double World Cup winner missed a significant chunk of rugby after suffering a concussion while playing for the Sharks against Exeter Chiefs in December 2024.
His symptoms later returned and the Sharks sought specialist advice before allowing him to play again.
Etzebeth later admitted it had been a frustrating period.
“I didn't have a good run with the Sharks with an injury and a concussion that kept me out for about four and a half months.”
There was at least one positive.
The extended break gave Etzebeth’s body a rare chance to recover after years of almost non-stop rugby for club and country.
By the time he returned to Springbok duty, he said those problems were behind him.
Another scare in 2026
Etzebeth’s concussion history became a talking point again earlier this year when another head knock forced him out of South Africa’s Nations Championship opener against England.
As RUCK reported at the time, the Springboks were particularly cautious because of his previous problems.
“Eben needs some proper time off because of concussion, and he has a history of concussion.”
That history explains why there was so much attention on what happened in Perth.
For now, Erasmus has played down concerns over Etzebeth’s latest knock, but the confusion surrounding his brief departure and return has certainly raised questions.
Read also
Five quirky facts about Eben Etzebeth you probably didn’t know
Eben Etzebeth has become one of the most recognisable players in world rugby, but there is plenty you might not know about the Springbok giant.
From starting out in the backs to a remarkable family sporting history, here are five quirky facts about the two-time Rugby World Cup winner.
1. He used to play in the backs
It is hard to imagine now, but Etzebeth played wing, centre and full-back when he was younger. He eventually moved into the forwards as he grew.
2. He grew 20cm in a year
Etzebeth reportedly had a huge growth spurt at 16, growing around 20cm in just one year.
3. Wrestling runs in the family
Etzebeth comes from a tough sporting family. His father was a wrestler, while his uncle Cliffie represented South Africa in wrestling and played prop for Western Province.
4. His wife sang before his 100th Test
Etzebeth's 100th Springbok appearance had an extra special touch. His future wife, singer Anlia van Rensburg, performed the South African national anthem before the match against Wales.
5. He got married on the same day as Frans Malherbe
In a bizarre coincidence, Etzebeth and Springbok teammate Frans Malherbe both got married on the same day in 2023. They even arranged to catch up by video call during the celebrations.
