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South Africa’s World Cup-winning lock Eben Etzebeth will spend the next three months on the sidelines.
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Etzebeth’s French club, Toulon, revealed in a statement that the Springbok star has been ‘stood down’ in compliance with the “concussion protocol”.
The 30-year-old suffered his third concussion in a year during South Africa’s 26-27 loss to England in their year-end international at Twickenham last week.
“After specialist advice and in accordance with the concussion management protocol of the National Rugby League, the player must observe a three-month break,” Toulon said in a statement.
“Rugby Club Toulonnais wishes Eben Etzebeth a speedy recovery.” the French outfit added.
The veteran second row forward, capped 97 times by the Boks, played 245 minutes in South Africa’s three year-end Tests.
Eben Etzebeth – South Africa
Club: Toulon
Position: Second row
Age: 29
Caps: 97
Debut: v England, 2012
Height: 6’7”
Weight: 123kg
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Really concerning that this has happened, what is more serious is that both players were injured due to reckless actions of opponents, no citings or proper action taken and both players, probably the best in the world are out. World Rugby does not take the health or the poor refereeing into consideration and who suffers? Financially and match outcomes are determined by these actions, generally the only people that benefit are NH teams as they can play depleted opponents and control outcomes(if you are at all thinking there is a trend)