There has been growing concern surrounding Eben Etzebeth’s prolonged absence from rugby due to the ongoing effects of a concussion.
Player welfare, particularly in rugby, has become an increasingly important issue in sports medicine. The understanding of concussion management has evolved, and today, it’s treated with much more caution and care. Etzebeth is currently under the care of concussion specialists, highlighting just how much progress has been made in medical practices around head injuries.
The good news is that Etzebeth has recently returned to training with the Sharks, and it’s anticipated that he will soon be ready for selection again. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus reassured the public during a media briefing, stating that they’re confident Etzebeth will be fully available to play, putting to rest any fears that his concussion issues could threaten his career.
Looking ahead, both Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi are expected to play significant roles for the Springboks in 2025.
Erasmus also clarified his stance on Kolisi’s leadership, confirming that the coaching team has a clear plan for managing Kolisi’s game time to ensure he remains fit for the 2027 World Cup. While Kolisi might not always be the starting captain, he will remain the leader as long as he continues to perform at a high level. Recently, Kolisi returned to the Sharks from French club Racing 92, partly to reduce the strain on his body and prolong his international career.
Reflecting on his journey, Kolisi shared his passion for wearing the Springbok jersey, saying, “When I put on the green-and-gold jersey, I feel like a superhero. I feel like I can do anything, and I don’t want to lose that. I’m going to fight for it, and my body feels strong, so I think I can continue.”
