Eben Etzebeth Returns: Springboks Lock Set to Boost Sharks in Crucial Comeback Clash
- Eben Etzebeth returns at a crucial point, bringing experience and physicality back to a Sharks side under pressure
- Injuries to key figures like Siya Kolisi have exposed depth concerns, increasing the importance of Etzebeth’s presence
- A tough test against Connacht Rugby now awaits, with Etzebeth expected to play a central role in how the Sharks respond
Springboks and Sharks star Eben Etzebeth is set for an emotional return to rugby after a 12-week ban. The most capped South African rugby player has been sidelined after a controversial eye-gouging incident in November 2025.
Source: Getty Images
The two-time Rugby World Cup winner was shown a straight red card during the Springboks' win over the Wales national rugby union team on the end-of-year tour in 2025. The 34-year-old was found guilty and later handed a suspension for eye-gouging Wales flanker Alex Mann during the match.
World Rugby's disciplinary committee concluded that Etzebeth intentionally made eye contact with Mann, resulting in a 12-week suspension for the Springbok lock.
Even though Etzebeth has remained active through gym sessions and training with the Sharks, and was also invited to the Springboks alignment camp in Cape Town, he has still been absent from several matches during a period when the Durban-based side would have greatly benefited from his presence.
PAY ATTENTION: Briefly News is now on YouTube! Check out our interviews on Briefly TV Life now!
Source: Getty Images
Eben Etzebeth's return boosts Springboks and Sharks
His much-awaited return is set for Friday, 3 April, when the Sharks take on Connacht Rugby in the EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16. The match kicks off at 21:00. Etzebeth’s ban led to the KwaZulu-Natal-based club deregistering him, although they retained his services in a different role, where he assisted with coaching juniors.
The Sharks are the 2024 EPCR Challenge Cup winners, having dropped down after finishing fifth in their Champions Cup pool. They will be without several key players, with Springboks captain Siya Kolisi nursing a calf injury. Also missing are Andre Esterhuizen, Bongi Mbonambi, Grant Williams and other first-choice stars.
See the Sharks' line-up on the X post below
Etzebeth will provide an invaluable boost. His absence has heavily affected the Sharks, who have been fighting for a place in the URC playoffs. His return now comes at a crucial time as the United Rugby Championship and European competitions head into the business end.
As seen in the post below:
Rugby fans react to the news of Etzebeth's return
Reactions from fans have been varied:
@Sonneblomboss WP:
"The sad truth is Eben is a liability for any franchise, but at the national level, always a stalwart."
@Michele Myburgh Grobler:
"Obviously they are not 🤷🏼♀️."
@Durban Zimbabwe:
"Welcome back, EB."
@Hendrik Beukes:
"Remember how their coach is."
@Frans du Plessis:
"Just contain your temper."
@Dylan Giddey:
"Siya Kolisi will come home to play for the Stormers."
@Philip Swart:
"Top club competition in the world, and they don't take it seriously. What is going on in SA franchises?"
Springboks vs All Blacks tickets sell fast
Briefly News previously reported that tickets for one of the most anticipated rugby clashes in the world are selling fast, with fans scrambling to secure their seats for the Springboks versus All Blacks series in South Africa.
Following a pre-sale period for registered buyers, general ticket sales opened this week, with Cape Town attracting the highest demand.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
