Eben Etzebeth facts for kids
Etzebeth playing for South Africa in 2022
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| Date of birth | 29 October 1991 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Place of birth | Cape Town, Cape Province, South Africa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 2.04 m (6 ft 8+1⁄2 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 126 kg (278 lb; 19 st 12 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Hoërskool Tygerberg | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| University | University of Cape Town | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Spouse |
Anlia van Rensburg
(m. 2023) |
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| Children | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupation(s) | Professional rugby player | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Eben Etzebeth, born on 29 October 1991, is a famous South African professional rugby union player. He plays for the Sharks team in the United Rugby Championship and is also a key player for the South Africa national rugby team, known as the Springboks.
Eben started playing for the Springboks in 2012. He has played over 130 games for them, which means he has played more than any other Springbok player! He usually plays as a lock, which is a strong position in the middle of the scrum. Many people think he is one of the best locks ever in rugby.
Contents
Eben's Rugby Journey
Playing for Clubs
Starting in Western Province
Eben Etzebeth joined the youth teams of Western Province in 2009. He played in the Under-18 Craven Week tournament. In 2011, he helped the UCT Ikey Tigers win the Varsity Cup. An injury later that year stopped him from playing in the 2011 Currie Cup.
Joining the Stormers
Even with his injury, Eben was chosen for the Stormers team for the 2012 Super Rugby season. He got better in time and played his first game on 25 February 2012 against the Hurricanes. He played 13 games that season and scored one try. The Stormers won many games but lost to the Sharks in the semi-finals.
Winning the Currie Cup
Eben missed some of the 2012 Currie Cup because he was playing for the national team. But he came back at the end and helped Western Province win their first Currie Cup title since 2002! He was even named the best player in the final game against the Sharks.
More Seasons with Stormers
In 2013, Eben was injured again for the first part of the 2013 Super Rugby season. He returned to play 8 matches and scored a try. He also won many lineouts, which is important for getting the ball. He missed parts of the 2013 Currie Cup due to national team duties. This time, Western Province lost the final to the Sharks.
In 2014, a foot injury kept him out of all games. But he stayed loyal to his Cape Town teams, the Stormers and Western Province, signing a contract to stay until 2016.
Playing in Japan and France
In 2015, Eben signed a deal to play for NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes Osaka in Japan's Top League. Later, in 2018, he announced he would join the French team Toulon after the 2019 Rugby World Cup. In 2021, he even played a new position, Blindside Flank, for the first time.
Returning to South Africa with the Sharks
In February 2022, the Sharks (rugby union) signed Eben Etzebeth on a long contract until 2027. On 24 May 2024, he captained the Sharks to win the Challenge Cup final against Gloucester Rugby. This was a big moment as they became the first South African team to win a major European rugby trophy!
Playing for South Africa (The Springboks)
Early International Career
Eben Etzebeth was part of the South Africa Under 20 team in 2011. They played in the 2011 IRB Junior World Championship in Italy.
He was first called up to the Springbok squad in June 2012. He played his first game on 9 June 2012 against England in Durban. South Africa won that game. Even with some injuries, Eben has usually been the first choice player in his position for the Springboks.
Reaching Milestones
In 2013, Eben was nominated for the IRB Player of the Year award, which is a huge honour. He was known for his incredible strength, being able to lift very heavy weights.
Eben was chosen for the Springboks' team for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. He played in every pool match, including the famous loss to Japan. He helped the team win the quarter-final against Wales. The Springboks then lost a close semi-final to New Zealand. On 30 October 2015, Eben scored a try in the Bronze Final against Argentina, helping South Africa win third place.
In 2016, Eben played his 50th game for South Africa. He was only 24 years old, making him the youngest South African to reach this milestone!
Captain of the Springboks
After leading the Springboks to a win against France in 2017, Eben was named captain for the 2017 Rugby Championship. The usual captain, Warren Whiteley, was injured. Eben played every minute of the 2017 Rugby Championship and the French series, showing how important he was to the team.
World Cup Wins
Eben was part of South Africa's team for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. The Springboks went on to win the whole tournament, beating England in the final!
On 16 July 2022, Eben played his 100th game for South Africa. He became only the seventh Springbok to reach this amazing milestone.
On 28 September 2024, Eben played his 128th game for South Africa against Argentina. This meant he played more games than any other Springbok player, beating Victor Matfield's record! South Africa won the game and also secured the 2024 Rugby Championship.
Awards and Achievements
Western Province
- 2012 Currie Cup winner
Sharks
- European Challenge Cup: 2023–24
South Africa
- 2019 Rugby Championship winner
- 2019 Rugby World Cup winner
- 2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa winner
- 2023 Rugby World Cup winner
- 2024 Rugby Championship winner
Personal Life
Eben Etzebeth married actress and singer Anlia van Rensburg on 4 February 2023. Their wedding was held in Franschhoek, Western Cape. Anlia sang the South African national anthem when Eben played his 100th test match for South Africa.
