Etzebeth back after concussion concerns in boost for Sharks, Springboks

DURBAN – South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth is back from injury at the perfect time, with the Springboks ready to embark on a programme of 13 Tests in 2025.

Etzebeth played his first full match in five months when his club, the Sharks beat Scarlets two weeks ago to secure a top-four place in the United Rugby Championship regular-season standings, with a home game against Munster in the last eight in Durban on May 31.

There had been concerns about the 33-year-old’s playing future when he was ruled out after suffering concussion in a win over Exeter Chiefs in the European Champions Cup in December.

However, South Africa’s most capped international said his body was rested and fresh.

“It was obviously frustrating with the concussion,” he told reporters in the build-up to the clash against Munster. “There’s not really a timeline on it. It’s all about your symptoms and how you respond to certain treatments. So I’d think, ‘maybe I’ll be back in a week’s time’ and then it’s a bit longer.

“And then I picked up a hamstring (injury) and had to sit out a bit more.”

That injury came at a training camp with the Springboks and meant Etzebeth made a return only in mid-April with a handful of substitute appearances.

There was more concern when a knock to his knee saw him go off after 28 minutes against the Ospreys earlier in May, but he made a quick recovery to play a full game on May 17.

“It was good to get that first 80 minutes against Scarlets under the belt,” he added. “It’s good when you play 20 here or 60 there, but when you finally get a full game, you really feel like you’re back in the mix,” Etzebeth added.

His return will come as a boost to Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus, who plans to use matches in July against Italy and Georgia to blood younger players alongside the likes of two-time World Cup winner Etzebeth.

Meanwhile, England prop Dan Cole said on May 27 that he will retire at the end of the season aged 38.

Cole came through Leicester Tigers’ academy before becoming his country’s second-most capped player on 118 appearances, behind teammate Ben Youngs on 127.

Cole won three Six Nations titles and featured at four Rugby World Cups.

He also played three Tests on two British and Irish Lions’ series. He made his last England appearance in November.

“It has not been an easy decision at all,” Cole said in a Leicester statement.

“I have been to-ing and fro-ing; however, I think this is the best time for me to finish playing.

“I don’t want to be the old guy, just sat around and hanging on to something for too long,” he added.

England coach Steve Borthwick labelled Cole “brilliant”.

“It was a privilege to play alongside Dan at the start of his Test career, and later to coach him,” Borthwick said.

“He’s not only a brilliant team player, but also a rare talent. His loyalty and service to both England and Leicester Tigers have been truly outstanding.

“While his retirement marks the end of a remarkable playing career, I’ve no doubt he’ll continue to make a meaningful impact in whatever comes next. We all wish him the very best for the future.”

Cole will now focus on the end of the season, with Leicester sitting second in the Premiership table with one game of the regular season to play. REUTERS, AFP