Morena Mothupi
It has been spoken about for some time now, but it’s finally confirmed, Eben Etzebeth has joined the Sharks.
It was revealed on Sunday, 13 February, that the imposing Springbok lock had requested to leave his French side Toulon, after just two years and two months with them.
OFFICIAL: @Springboks lock, @EbenEtzebeth has requested to leave @RCTofficiel at the end of the season, citing "personal reasons".
— Kaya Sport (@Kaya_Sport) February 13, 2022
It's being reported that Etzebeth is set to join @SharksRugby pic.twitter.com/Klhu469Jy8
Etzebeth left the Western Province after the successful 2019 Rugby World Cup, to join the Top14 club, but he didn’t enjoy too much game time, as he was either on Bok duty or dealing with injury.
The 30-year-old was one of the highest paid rugby players in the world. But the writing was on the wall after Toulon’s president labelled him a handicap to the club, because of his regular absence.
The tank just got a whole lot more dangerous! Welcome to the family @EbenEtzebeth 🖤 #OurSharksForever pic.twitter.com/qxYz75BOWM
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) February 17, 2022
At the Sharks, he’ll reunite with former Western Province teammates Siya Kolisi and Bongi Mbonambi.
The lock’s friendship with Kolisi is understood to have played a part in his decision, and it just so happens that the announcement of Etzebeth’s move comes exactly a year after that of the Bok captain. He too was unveiled by the Sharks on 17 February, 2021.
Hello again uncle @EbenEtzebeth. Welcome to @SharksRugby family brother. pic.twitter.com/mwyLCa6FQa
— Siya Kolisi (@SiyaKolisi) February 17, 2022
The Kwa Zulu Natal franchise is fast becoming a menacing team.
Together with Etzebeth, Kolisi and Mbonambi are other Springbok stars, Makazole Mapimpi, Lukhanyo Am, Aphelele Fassi and Thomas du Toit, making them one of the teams to watch in the United Rugby Championship going forward.
The Cape Town man will join up with the rest of his teammates in July, when the French season ends.
Also Read: Siya Kolisi takes home SA Rugby Player of the Year award



