Eben Etzebeth

Eben Etzebeth is one of the most feared and respected forwards in world rugby and a key figure in the Springboks' golden era.

Born on 29 October 1991 in Cape Town, Etzebeth attended Hoërskool Tygerberg before making his way through the Western Province system. He initially played as a back before his rapid growth saw him move into the second row.

Etzebeth made his senior breakthrough with the Stormers in 2012 and earned his first Springbok cap against England that same year. He quickly established himself as one of South Africa's most physical players, earning a reputation as an uncompromising enforcer who brought aggression, power and intensity to the pack.

His international career reached another level at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, where he played a crucial role in the Springboks' successful campaign. South Africa defeated England in the final to win the World Cup for the first time since 2007.

Four years later, Etzebeth was again central to the Springboks' campaign at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. South Africa edged New Zealand in a dramatic final, making Etzebeth a two-time Rugby World Cup winner.

In September 2024, he became the most-capped Springbok in history, overtaking legendary lock Victor Matfield. The milestone cemented his status as one of the most important players of the modern Springbok era.

At club level, Etzebeth has represented the Stormers, Toulon in France and the NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes in Japan. He returned to South Africa with the Sharks, where he became a senior leader and helped the Durban side win the 2024 EPCR Challenge Cup.

Away from the rugby field, Etzebeth has also attracted attention for his fiery personality and uncompromising style of play. Despite his reputation as an enforcer, his longevity and consistency have made him one of the most dependable members of the Springbok squad.

With more than a decade at international level and two World Cup medals to his name, Etzebeth has established himself as one of the greatest locks in South African rugby history.