Another big blow for Eben Etzebeth
NEWS: Eben Etzebeth will face more time on the sidelines.
The Springbok superstar was added to the Sharks’ injury list on Tuesday after they announced their squad for a two-match United Rugby Championship tour against the Ospreys and Edinburgh.
A Sharks spokesperson confirmed to Rugby365 that the towering lock suffered a “hip injury” in his side’s 12-29 Challenge Cup play-off defeat to Connacht in Galway on April 3.
However, they also revealed that the time period for his recovery is “not confirmed.”
That match against Connacht was his first of the year after completing a 12-match ban for eye gouging Wales flank Alex Mann in the Springboks’ final match of 2025 in Cardiff.
The Sharks are currently 10th in the URC standings with four rounds left to make the Top Eight.
Etzebeth’s absence will be a blow for the Sharks, who are also without fellow Springboks Bongi Mbonambi, Grant Williams, Jordan Hendrikse, Aphelele Fassi, Francois Venter, Trevor Nyakane, Marvin Orie, and Ruan Dreyer.
Etzebeth’s injury will also be a concern for Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus after RG Snyman ruptured his ACL in his right knee while playing for Leinster against Glasgow Warriors on March 21.
Also Read: Springboks receive brutal update on RG Snyman’s injury
The good news for the Sharks is that Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is back after a calf niggle, and his name is included alongside locks Jason Jenkins and Emile van Heerden.
Centre Jurenzo Julius will tour with the squad.
Players not considered for selection due to injury: Aphelele Fassi, Bongi Mbonambi, Bryce Calvert, Coetzee le Roux, Eben Etzebeth, Francois Venter, Grant Williams, Hakeem Kunene, Jaco Williams, Luan Giliomee, Marvin Orie, Matt Romao, Ruan Dreyer, Simphiwe Matanzima, Thomas Dyer, Trevor Nyakane, Yaw Penxe.
