Eben Etzebeth: Five things to know about the Springboks lock

Even though many got to know Eben Etzebeth when the Springboks faced off with Rugby World Cup 2023 hosts France in their thrilling quarter-final match, the gentle giant needs no introduction as he is regarded as the enforcer of Springbok rugby. 

The Springbok lock is part of the squad selected for the highly-anticipated semi-final against England on Saturday, 21 October.

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WHO IS EBEN ETZEBETH?

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• The 31-year-old who stands 2.04 metres and weighs 119kg was born and bred in Cape Town, Western Cape.
• Etzebeth was first capped against England in 2012. Since then, he has been a regular as he has played over 100 games for the Springboks. The lock is just nine caps short of legendary Victor Matfield’s South Africa record of 127.
• According to the Hollywoodbets Sharks, Etzebeth recently became the youngest player to achieve a century of test matches for South Africa, and he capped the occasion by scooping the Man of the Match award in the 30-14 win against Wales at Newlands.
• He is married to actress and singer Anlia van Rensburg. The two tied the knot in February this year at the La Paris Estate in Franschhoek, Western Cape.

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• He started his career with West Province in 2009 and left in 2011 for amateur team UCT Ikey Tigers. In 2012, he joined the West Province senior team and has won big in the field since then. Over the years, he has starred for several clubs, including Stormers and Toulon. He plays for the Sharks, and his contract will run out in 2027.