49 - 24

Etzebeth rumours rubbished as Bok returns in 28-man Sharks touring squad

13 days ago

Eben Etzebeth of South Africa during the players warm up ahead of the Autumn Nations Series 2024 match between Wales and South Africa at Principality Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Eben Etzebeth has been named in the Hollywoodbets Sharks’ 28-man squad for their upcoming United Rugby Championship (URC) matches in Scotland and Ireland.

His inclusion appears to rubbish recent speculation in South Africa that the Springbok lock might be forced into retirement due to repeatd injuries.

The towering Springbok enforcer hasn’t played since the Sharks beat the Exeter Chiefs in the Champions Cup back in December.

Will Felix Jones be the next Bok Head Coach? | RPTV

Video Player is loading.

Current Time 0:00

Duration 0:59

Loaded: 16.70%

Stream Type LIVE

Remaining Time 0:59

Will Felix Jones be the next Bok Head Coach? | RPTV

The Boks Office boy speculate as to whether Felix Jones’ return could set him up for a long term future with the Springboks. Watch the full show now on RugbyPass TV.

Watch now

Sharks head coach John Plumtree confirmed Etzebeth’s availability alongside fellow returning Springboks Grant Williams, Lukhanyo Am, and Aphelele Fassi.

All four had missed sections of the season while nursing various injuries. The Sharks hope their restored roster will bolster a push for a top-four finish in the URC standings.

Etzebeth’s comeback coincides with a crucial two-match run for the Durban-based side. They first travel to Scotland to face Edinburgh at Hive Stadium on Friday night (8.30pm kick-off).

A trip to Ireland follows as the Sharks prepare to meet Ulster in what will be their last away game before closing out the regular season with two home fixtures at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.

Plumtree’s squad includes 16 forwards and 12 backs.

The Sharks aim to improve their chances of hosting key playoff matches later in the URC season. Edinburgh sit eighth on the table, with Ulster currently sixth.

FORWARDS
Bongi Mbonambi
Eben Etzebeth
Emile van Heerden
Ethan Bester
Fezokuhle Mbatha
Hanro Jacobs
James Venter
Jason Jenkins
Manu Tshituka
Ntuthuko Mchunu
Ox Nche
Phepsi Buthelezi
Ruan Dreyer
Siya Kolisi
Vincent Koch
Vincent Tshituka

BACKS
Andre Esterhuizen
Aphelele Fassi
Bradley Davids
Ethan Hooker
Grant Williams
Jaden Hendrikse
Jordan Hendrikse
Jurenzo Julius
Lukhanyo Am
Makazole Mapimpi
Siya Masuku
Yaw Penxe

To be first in line for Rugby World Cup 2027 Australia tickets, register your interest here

O2 Inside Line: All In | Episode 5 | Making Waves

Confidence knocks and finding your people | Flo Williams | Rugby Rising Locker Room

Tackling reasons for drop-out in sport | Zainab Alema | Rugby Rising Locker Room

Krakow | Leg 3 | Day 2 | HSBC Challenger Series | Full Day Replay

Kubota Spears vs Tokyo Sungoliath | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Jet Lag: The biggest challenge facing international sports? | The Report

Boks Office | Episode 39 | The Investec Champions Cup is back

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry? | New Zealand & Australia | Sevens Wonders | Episode 5

Comments

0 Comments

Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Latest Features

LONG READ

James O'Connor, the Lions and the great club v country conundrum

Sabbaticals may provide the silver bullet to one of rugby's greatest issues, the competing interests of club and country.

LONG READ

The Champions' Cup - a paradise lost?

The venerable tournament has lost its way of late so is there any way back for a competition which used to stir emotions like few others?

LONG READ

Fur set to fly as Parisian duo dragged into Top 14 relegation dogfight

While Vannes and Perpignan battle to avoid the drop, Stade Français and Racing 92 are also scrapping for survival.

Comments on RugbyPass

JW 20 minutes ago

'We've been searching': Clark Laidlaw's honest reflection after win in Canberra

It will be a real marker Cantab. Canes are now playing the best footy of any team, much like they had been last year with the likes of Higgins at second five, Love is a step up. Thank god Laidlaw finally headed the calls to give him time at 10 (though it’s still so strange to me they didn’t see Harkins as a started their instead of 15).

But as we’ve seen with the All Blacks, and the Canes quarter final against the Chiefs, big teams can easily bully an opposition not in the right mindset and cause havoc with the nice fancy running plays teams may be able to use against a ‘normal’ sort of defence. The Canes have only been clicking for a couple of games now and they’ve already be tested heavily, still the timing couldn’t be more perfect for them to find out.

2 Go to comments

Bob Salad II 36 minutes ago

'There’s elements of Bristol’s attack that look a lot like Leinster'

Leinster’s attack coupled with Exeter’s defense sounds about right. Kind of.

I’m a Bears fan and can’t believe how they are now - with Bath (H) and Sale (A), looking likely to not secure a top 4 finish after sitting in 2nd for most of the season. Only saving grace is Bath may send a weakened side to AG given they’ve already secured a home play off birth. Glos. On today’s showing at least, probably deserve 4th spot.

1 Go to comments

Flauran Wilz 38 minutes ago

England rout Scotland to set up Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam decider

No matter how calm your partner seems to be, try and know what they can do at your back. Reach to (wisetechhack (at) Gmail com) to help you access phone call, WhatsApp, Facebook, gmail, Instagram etc.

3 Go to comments

Flauran Wilz 39 minutes ago

England rout Scotland to set up Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam decider

I want to appreciate (wisetechhackⓐ gmail ,com) for helping me to recover my lost crypto money from facebook crypto scammers, If you have been scammed before, contact him now for help.

3 Go to comments

Clinton Marshall 42 minutes ago

Don't get out over your skis on the Highlanders

I honestly don’t even know where to begin. I lost access to my wallet and a huge part of my crypto portfolio. I felt hopeless. Every "solution" I found online just led to more dead ends or people trying to scam me again.

Then I found Infinite Digital Recovery, and meeting them was a blessing. From the very first conversation, they treated my case with urgency, care, and real honesty. They didn’t make wild promises or ask for upfront fees. They listened, explained everything clearly, and kept me updated throughout the whole recovery process. Their blockchain knowledge was truly fascinating.

Thanks to the team, I not only got back into my wallet, but they also helped me recover my lost crypto assets, something I had almost given up on.

If you’re in a situation like I was, I highly recommend reaching out to them. I got my peace of mind, money and wallet back, and I truly couldn’t be more grateful. I contacted them via their website and, if you feel stuck as I was you not alone and they most definitely will help you. Reach them via ;

EMAIL : infinitedigitalrecovery@techie.com

WhatsApp: +19085848908

WEBSITE : https://infinitedigital.online

4 Go to comments

MM 1 hour ago

Kini Naholo powers Hurricanes to upset win over Brumbies In Canberra

Thanks for your input CR. My life is now fulfilled after reading your inspiring post….

5 Go to comments

Chiefs Mana 1 hour ago

Kini Naholo powers Hurricanes to upset win over Brumbies In Canberra

Suggest you look at where the majority of the Moana team are born CR, ignorant comment.

5 Go to comments

MM 1 hour ago

Highlanders vs Crusaders: Jordan is Cullen-esque, another Test bolter

How on earth is Razor going to be able to settle on the ABs squad when he’s got 30 odd Crusaders to choose from??

Decisions, decisions…..

21 Go to comments

MM 1 hour ago

Highlanders vs Crusaders: Jordan is Cullen-esque, another Test bolter

It’s hard not to mate! I can’t read any comments about the Crusaders on here without seeing his biased drivel on every article!

21 Go to comments

CR 1 hour ago

Kini Naholo powers Hurricanes to upset win over Brumbies In Canberra

They can rename the All Blacks to the Island poachers. Only reason Fiji/Moana is in super rugby is to raid them of talent. Sad for rugby

5 Go to comments

Faith Amaya 1 hour ago

Ruby Tui on standing up to online abuse: 'That's saying no, that's actually not cool.'

I became a victim of a romance scam that led me to invest $254,000 in Tether (USDT) on a fake site. After realizing I had been scammed, I felt utterly hopeless and desperate for help. I began searching for a hacker online and came across Ultimate Hacker Jerry. His professionalism and expertise gave me hope. Jerry worked tirelessly to recover my lost funds, and I’m thrilled to say he succeeded! I am incredibly grateful for his assistance and highly recommend his services to anyone in a similar situation. Thank you, Jerry!

Email; Support(@)ultimatehackjerry(.)com

3 Go to comments

Clinton Marshall 1 hour ago

Former England star leads Benetton to huge URC result over Lions

Thanks to the team, I not only got back into my wallet, but they also helped me recover my lost crypto assets, something I had almost given up on.

EMAIL : infinitedigitalrecovery(@)techieDOTcom

WhatsApp: (+1908)(5848(908)

WEBSITE : (https://infinitedigital.online**)

7 Go to comments

JT 3 hours ago

Highlanders vs Crusaders: Jordan is Cullen-esque, another Test bolter

It is well known that The Highlanders always lift their game against the Crusaders historically

21 Go to comments

JT 3 hours ago

Highlanders vs Crusaders: Jordan is Cullen-esque, another Test bolter

Why when it’s the truth?

21 Go to comments

JudeMartins 3 hours ago

Scotland vs Ireland team news ahead of Six Nations final round

Contact A Legit Crypto Recovery Expert - Call iFORCE HACKER RECOVERY

The sophistication of online scams is increasing, and I regrettably lost $64,000 to a Ponzi scheme that offered large profits. I had nothing left after the platform vanished after a few minor payouts. I came upon iForce Hacker Recovery in a desperate attempt. I contacted them because I was encouraged by their glowing reviews. Their knowledgeable staff stepped in and successfully retrieved my money, which I was relieved about. A heartbreaking defeat was transformed into a second chance by their expertise and skill. Recover stolen crypto Bitcoin recovery expert Lost crypto wallet recovery Crypto scam recovery Recover hacked crypto wallet Crypto recovery firm How to recover stolen Bitcoin Lost cryptocurrency recovery Blockchain recovery service Recover scammed crypto funds Crypto asset recovery Retrieve lost Bitcoin Bitcoin fraud recovery Recover funds from crypto scam Crypto recovery expert near me Crypto recovery services legit Bitcoin private key recovery Crypto recovery lawyer Recover crypto from scammer Learn More; www. iforcehackersrecovery. com Email; contact@iforcehackersrecovery. co m Whatsapp; +1 (240) 803. 37 06

0 Go to comments

johnz 3 hours ago

Mark Tele'a's departure sends unsettling message to NZRU over wantaway All Blacks

The problem with wingers is that father time catches up sooner than it does to other positions because speed is their #1 asset. There’s no way I was as fast at 28, as I was at 23, nor is anyone else.

By the time the next WC is finished, Ta’lea will be 30 or 31. It’s a big risk to think he’ll be as quick as he is now and commanding the same money, those are just the unavoidable facts of life. I don’t think exposure to top rugby or lack thereof has much to do with it, wing is a pretty low attrition position. Yes, some wingers can carve out longer international careers, but they usually move in a position or two, where speed is not so critical.

43 Go to comments

RedWarriors 4 hours ago

How 'misunderstood' Rassie Erasmus is rolling back the clock

I don’t think you understand how it works, and the ad hominem attack is tiresome although not suprizing from you.

Rugby Laws are decided by the World Rugby Board. According to Owen Doyle (who would know) the board are divided on this issue. The next meeting is May and this Law will be on the agenda.

Now its being pointed out to you that in all Law, the intention of the Law IS THE LAW.

You may disagree (without any substantiation) that 5:3 was NOT the intention. But you are not doing that. You are pretending that the intention is not the law, and you are also pretending that the interpretation of this law is not in dispute when at best, you don’t know if it is or isnt.

Do you accept that the interpretation of the law is key to how the law aapplies?

If not we really have nothing further to discuss.

249 Go to comments

RedWarriors 4 hours ago

Northampton get ideal pre-Leinster runout by tuning up Bristol