Sports
Eben Etzebeth’s Road to Recovery Delayed by Injuries: What’s Next for the Springbok Lock?
Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth has been sidelined since December 7 after failing a concussion assessment during a match against Exeter Chiefs. Initially expected to be out for only a few weeks, Etzebeth’s recovery took a surprising turn when he began experiencing relapses in his concussion symptoms, including dizziness and headaches, delaying his return to the field.
What was initially thought to be a minor injury has turned into a lengthy recovery process, sparking rumors of potential retirement. As his three-week injury extended into a three-month ordeal, speculation about his future in the game grew. However, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus swiftly put these rumors to rest, stating to Planet Rugby, “He doesn’t have any symptoms, he went through all the processes… and, according to what I’ve heard, he will be one of the players that will be available [in 2025].”
While Etzebeth is now free from concussion symptoms, his return to action was again delayed after suffering a hamstring strain. The injury occurred during the Springboks’ alignment camp in Cape Town in mid-March, setting him back a couple of weeks. “Eben strained a hamstring in a running block during the Springbok alignment camp,” said Sharks coach John Plumtree. “That set him back a couple of weeks, but from a concussion point of view, he’s in a good place now.”
Etzebeth’s absence was keenly felt in the Sharks’ recent 7-10 loss to league leaders Leinster. The match saw both teams plagued with handling errors, leading to a performance that left spectators questioning the quality of play. With the Sharks trailing by 3 points in the dying seconds, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi faced an important decision after his team was awarded a penalty in kicking range. Opting for the corner instead of a potential draw, Kolisi’s gamble fell short after a failed lineout, sealing the Sharks’ defeat.
With the hamstring injury behind him, Etzebeth is expected to make his much-awaited return to the Sharks lineup in the near future, aiming to contribute his leadership and physicality to the team as they strive for a strong finish to the season.
FAQ
1. When did Eben Etzebeth sustain his concussion injury? Etzebeth sustained the injury on December 7 during a match against Exeter Chiefs after failing a Head Injury Assessment (HIA).
2. What symptoms did Etzebeth experience during his recovery? Etzebeth experienced dizziness and headaches, which prolonged his recovery and delayed his return to action.
3. Are the rumors of Etzebeth’s retirement true? No, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed that Etzebeth is concussion-free and will be available for selection in 2025.
4. What injury delayed Etzebeth’s return to play? Etzebeth strained his hamstring during the Springboks’ alignment camp in Cape Town in mid-March, which set back his return by a couple of weeks.
5. How did the Sharks perform in Etzebeth’s absence? The Sharks struggled in their recent loss to Leinster, with handling errors contributing to a disappointing 7-10 defeat. Etzebeth’s physicality and leadership were missed during this match.
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Sourced:The South African
