Biography: Eben Etzebeth is a South African rugby union player who currently plays for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship and the Springboks. He is one of the most capped and respected players in the Springboks, the national rugby team of South Africa. He is famous for his physicality, athleticism, and leadership on the field.
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Early Life and Education
Etzebeth was born on 29 October 1991 in Cape Town, South Africa. He grew up in a rugby-loving family, with his uncles Cliffie and Skattie also playing the sport. Etzebeth attended Hoërskool Tygerberg, where he excelled in rugby and athletics. He represented Western Province in the Under-18 Craven Week tournament in 2009.
Etzebeth then enrolled at the University of Cape Town, where he studied for a Bachelor of Social Science degree. He also played for the UCT Ikey Tigers, the university’s rugby team, and helped them win the Varsity Cup in 2011.
Eben Etzebeth Club Career
Etzebeth made his senior debut for Western Province in 2012, playing in the Currie Cup, the premier domestic rugby competition in South Africa. He also joined the Stormers, Western Province’s Super Rugby franchise, in the same year. He quickly established himself as a key player for both teams, winning the Currie Cup in 2012 and 2014.
Eben Etzebeth Biography [Image: @ebenetzebeth4/Instagram]
In 2015, Etzebeth moved to Japan to play for NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes in the Top League, Japan’s professional rugby league. He spent two seasons there, scoring five tries in eight appearances.
In 2019, he signed a two-year contract with Toulon, a French club that competes in the Top 14, France’s top-tier rugby league. He played 40 matches for Toulon, scoring seven tries and earning praise from fans and critics alike.
In 2022, he returned to South Africa to join the Sharks, another Super Rugby franchise based in Durban.
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International Career
Eben Etzebeth made his international debut for South Africa in 2012, playing against England at Kings Park Stadium in Durban. He was only 20 years old at the time, making him one of the youngest players to ever play for the Springboks.
Eben Etzebeth Biography [Image: @ebenetzebeth4/Instagram]
Since then, he has won more than 100 caps for his country, becoming only the fourth South African to do so.
Etzebeth has played in three Rugby World Cups: 2015, 2019, and 2023. He was part of the team that won the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, defeating England 32-12 in the final. He also captained the Springboks in 12 matches between 2017 and 2018. Etzebeth was also with the Springboks when they won a record fourth World Cup in France in 2023.
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He is widely regarded as one of the best locks in the world, as well as one of the most influential players in South African rugby history. He has received several accolades and awards for his performances, such as being named SA Rugby Player of the Year in 2013 and being nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year in 2018.
Eben Etzebeth Personal Life
Eben Etzebeth Biography [Image: @ebenetzebeth4/Instagram]
Etzebeth is married to singer and actress Anlia Etzebeth. They tied the knot in February 2023.
References
- 2011 Varsity Cup Results – Rugby Talk
- Etzebeth ‘fired up’ for DHL Stormers – DHL Stormers
- Etzebeth may be headed for Japan – IOL
- Eben Etzebeth commits to Toulon – SA Rugby Mag
- THE CELL C SHARKS WELCOME EBEN ETZEBETH – The Sharks Durban
- New video of Eben Etzebeth Springboks’ debut reveals how his hatred of England started
- Kolisi inspires South Africa to a place in history with a fourth Rugby World Cup title – AP
- ‘Blessings’: Eben Etzebeth’s wife announces pregnancy after Springboks win? – The South African
- Eben Etzebeth – Instagram
