After difficult start to 2026, Etzebeth thrilled to be playing again: ‘Tough to watch from the side’
The Bok lock was serving a suspension and he was injured in the first half of the year.
Etzebeth, a key member of the Springbok rugby team, is thrilled to be playing again after a difficult start to the year. The enforcer has endured suspension, injuries, and concussion, which saw him play sporadically over the first six months of the season. He was finally set to return to action in July during the Nations Championship, but suffered a concussion during training, ruling him out of the England Test opener and three other matches.
However, Etzebeth returned to action in August, playing the full 80 minutes in the Test against Argentina and the first two Tests against the All Blacks. He expressed his relief at being back on the pitch and contributing to his team's success. The Boks have had to overcome setbacks, including a 33-16 loss in the opener, but bounced back with 33-26 and 29-24 wins, securing a 2-1 lead.
Etzebeth credited the coaching staff for their honesty and the team's resilience, emphasizing their determination to not lose another game. While South Africa hosted the first traditional tour between the rival nations since 1996, the series concluded in the United States, with the final Test match set to take place in Baltimore.
Etzebeth expressed excitement about the Test match, noting the growing interest in rugby in the country and the presence of both South Africans and Americans.
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