Eben Etzebeth returns for Sharks after four-month injury layoff

Springboks veteran back in URC action as Sharks field full-strength squad for clash with Edinburgh.

A close-up view of the boots worn by South Africa's Eben Etzebeth during the warm-up at Principality Stadium on November 23, 2024, in Cardiff, Wales. Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

After a frustrating stretch on the sidelines due to a combination of concussion and a hamstring injury, Eben Etzebeth returns for Sharks this Friday in a crucial United Rugby Championship (URC) fixture against Edinburgh. The 33-year-old Springbok lock, who boasts a record 131 international caps for South Africa and is a two-time Rugby World Cup winner, has not played since December. His comeback provides a major boost to a Sharks team now entering a pivotal phase of the season.

Etzebeth’s absence began following a head injury sustained during the Sharks' Champions Cup match against Exeter in early December. Though initial reports expected a quicker recovery, his condition lingered longer than anticipated, with the club revealing in February that he was still experiencing post-concussion symptoms. Plans for a March return were scuppered when Etzebeth pulled his hamstring during a Springbok training camp.

Now, however, the Durban-based franchise has confirmed that Etzebeth is fully fit and will start on Friday night against Edinburgh. It marks the end of a frustrating four-month layoff for the towering lock, who remains one of the most dominant figures in world rugby.

A difficult road back from injury

Etzebeth’s injury history with concussions is not new. During his stint with French club Toulon in 2021, the experienced lock endured three concussions in the space of one year, resulting in a three-month absence from competitive rugby. That episode raised concerns about his long-term health, but he managed to recover and return to top-level performance, eventually joining the Sharks in 2022.

The recent concussion sustained in December against Exeter revived those concerns, especially when the club stated that symptoms had persisted for several weeks. The hamstring strain he picked up in February only compounded his misfortune, delaying his return and testing his patience and resilience.

Despite these setbacks, the Sharks have remained optimistic about their veteran forward’s recovery. Head coach John Plumtree, speaking to the team’s website, said, “It’s the first time since October that we’ve had all our key players available. Eben’s return gives us not only experience but leadership and grit that will be vital as we push for the playoffs.”

Sharks at full strength as URC playoffs near

With Eben Etzebeth returning for the Sharks, the team is now nearly at full strength heading into a two-match tour of Europe. Friday’s clash against Edinburgh will be followed by a challenging fixture against Ulster. Currently sitting fourth in the URC standings, the Sharks are aiming to solidify their playoff position in the final stretch of the regular season.

Etzebeth’s inclusion in the starting lineup isn’t the only change. Fellow Springboks Lukhanyo Am and Aphelele Fassi have also been named in the XV, returning to the wing and fullback positions respectively. Scrum-half Grant Williams, another capped international, will start from the bench. This marks a significant moment for the Sharks, who have struggled at times this season due to injuries and player availability.

Plumtree emphasized the importance of consistency and health in the run-in to the playoffs. “That game against Glasgow on October 18 was the last time I had all my first-choice players available,” he said. “It’s been a long wait. Hopefully, we can keep everyone fit for the rest of the campaign.”

The importance of Etzebeth's leadership

Eben Etzebeth is more than just a powerful lock. His presence on the field often lifts his teammates, and his ability to read the game, dominate set pieces, and motivate the squad has long made him a key figure in every team he’s played for. He has served as captain for both the Springboks and the Sharks at various points and brings valuable leadership at a time when every URC point counts.

With his 131 caps, Etzebeth is the most capped Springbok forward in history. He has been central to South Africa’s rugby resurgence over the past five years, including back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles in 2019 and 2023. For the Sharks, his return means more than just having another big body in the scrum — it signifies the return of a general.

In recent seasons, Etzebeth has evolved his game, offering not just brute strength but also surprising agility and ball-handling skills. His performance in previous URC campaigns and international matches has shown he can still dominate against younger, fresher opponents.

With the Sharks entering the business end of the URC season, Etzebeth’s return is timely. But beyond the club level, there is also national interest in his comeback. The Springboks have a packed 2025 international calendar, and head coach Rassie Erasmus will be keen to monitor his form and fitness closely.

South Africa will defend their Rugby Championship crown later this year and prepare for a challenging end-of-year tour to Europe. Etzebeth, if healthy, remains a cornerstone of the Springbok pack and a natural leader among a new generation of forwards.

His return to club rugby provides a chance to rebuild match fitness and rhythm, which could make him an automatic choice for Springbok duty in the months ahead.

Upcoming fixtures a test of momentum

The Sharks’ fixtures against Edinburgh and Ulster will be critical not only for their playoff aspirations but also for how they manage the reintegration of key players like Etzebeth. Both opponents offer physical and tactical challenges, and the Sharks will rely on their experienced heads to navigate the tricky away matches.

Edinburgh currently sits mid-table but has a strong home record. Ulster, meanwhile, are also playoff contenders, which will make the next two weeks a crucial stretch for the Durban outfit.

With Eben Etzebeth returning for the Sharks, and other Springboks rejoining the matchday squad, the Sharks will be hoping for a strong showing that builds confidence heading into the final rounds of the URC.

Eben Etzebeth’s return is not just a story of recovery — it’s a crucial moment in the Sharks’ season. After months of injury frustration, the Springbok enforcer is back where he belongs: leading from the front. As the Sharks chase URC glory and South Africa begins to prepare for another year of international battles, all eyes will be on the veteran lock to see if he can once again deliver on the big stage.

Etzebeth’s return signals not only a physical comeback but also the return of one of rugby’s most commanding presences. For the Sharks, for the Springboks, and for rugby fans, that is very good news indeed.