Eben Etzebeth: A Rugby Legend
Eben Etzebeth, the formidable second row forward, has achieved almost everything a rugby player could dream of. With two World Cup victories, two Rugby Championships, and numerous individual awards, Etzebeth has solidified his place as one of the greatest players in Springbok and international rugby history.
At 33 years old, Etzebeth has already made history by becoming the most capped Springbok player of all time, surpassing Victor Matfield’s record. With 131 caps to his name, Etzebeth’s leadership and skill on the field have earned him the respect of fans and opponents alike.
The Ultimate Goal
Despite his many accomplishments, Etzebeth’s passion for representing South Africa remains as strong as ever. The opportunity to wear the green and gold jersey motivates him to overcome any setbacks and challenges that come his way.
“For me, it’s putting on the jersey one more time. I think that’s the ultimate goal. That’s my ultimate drive in rugby,” said Etzebeth. “To run out at a full Loftus or Cape Town Stadium, that’s the ultimate feeling, the ultimate drive.”
With the support of thousands of fans cheering for the Springboks, Etzebeth finds inspiration in uniting the country through the sport he loves.
Another World Cup Victory
Looking ahead to the future, Etzebeth acknowledges the challenge of pursuing a third consecutive Rugby World Cup title in Australia. As part of Rassie Erasmus’ vision for the team, Etzebeth is committed to keeping the Springboks at the top of the world rankings.
“To be part of Rassie’s group, that’s it. It’s special, but I think they want to make it even more special, and to take the group even higher,” shared Etzebeth. “I would like to be a part of that. Yes, there will be another World Cup in a couple of years. It will be incredible, but we all know how difficult it will be.”
Etzebeth recognizes the competitive landscape of international rugby and the need for continuous improvement to maintain their position as the number one team in the world. As he looks towards the future, Etzebeth is determined to be a key player in the Springboks’ quest for excellence.
