VIDEO: Concerning reason for Etzebeth's absence

INJURY UPDATE: Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth has been ruled out of the Sharks’ United Rugby Championship semifinal against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.

Etzebeth suffered a head knock according to coach John Plumtree.

It is a concerning issue given the most capped Springbok’s recent history with concussion.

The 33-year-old missed the bulk of the Sharks’ URC season following a concussion suffered in a Champions Cup clash in December 2024 and was out for approximately four months.

Plumtree, however, said that it’s not too serious and that Etzebeth is already doing better.

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“He took a [head] knock at training. We decided it’s best not to risk [playing] him this week.

“We made an early call [on his participation].

“He is feeling a lot better by the way. He’s been communicating with me and the team.

“I’m not overly concerned about it and I’m pretty sure he’ll be available next week should we go through.”