Eben Etzebeth must not be rushed back into action

Leighton Koopman

If the Sharks and Springboks want to get the most out of Eben Etzebeth in the dusk of his career, the veteran lock should be given as much time to recover from his concussion symptoms.

While the Durban outfit will need him possibly later in the season, the Boks’ mission of winning a third Rugby World Cup in a row in 2027 must be given preference when it comes to Etzebeth.

That is why the 33-year-old enforcer should be wrapped in cotton wool for the rest of the season to allow him to recover optimally from the injury he picked up in December.

It’s been two months since he’s been on the rugby field after sustaining the concussion against Exeter Chiefs in the Champions Cup.

He would’ve returned against the Stormers late in December after finishing the return-to-play protocols, but after failing a final test and being withdrawn, that should’ve had the red lights flashing already.

Two weeks later, the Sharks wanted to set him loose against Toulouse in the Champions Cup at home, but he again took a knock, and was withdrawn immediately in that training.

Wednesday’s statement by the Sharks stated that the concussion and returning symptoms are being treated as a serious matter and rightly so.

“Eben is being managed by concussion specialists. He will be cleared to return once they are fully satisfied that his injury has been completely resolved,” it read.

That is why the Bok centurion should be afforded ample time to recover from this, and there can be no argument against it.

If that means missing the rest of the Sharks’ season and the first few Tests in July against Italy and Georgia, then so be it – even if he is cleared earlier by the specialists.

It’s definitely not the right time for speculation about Etzebeth’s playing future, but his situation will be a stark reminder to Bok supporters of how they lost former Sharks star Patrick Lambie to rugby after a concussion against Ireland.

This is the perfect opportunity to allow Etzebeth time with his young family and time away from rugby.

He has put his body on the line for South Africa, and the Boks would want him to do it one more time in Australia in 2027 as they aim for a record third World Cup win in a row.