Experienced Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth has given the strongest indication yet that he isn't planning to slow down anytime soon, dropping a major hint about a potential appearance at the 2031 Rugby World Cup.
The legendary second-rower, already the most-capped Springbok of all time, opened up about his future, his willingness to push through to the tournament in the USA, and what keeps the team's veteran core performing at an elite level.
With the 2031 Rugby World Cup set to take place in the United States, questions have inevitably arisen about how many of South Africa's back-to-back world champions will still be around. When asked if he could see himself running out in 2031, Etzebeth did not play down the ambition. Instead, he made it clear that if his body holds up, the drive to compete remains as strong as ever.
To prove that age is merely a number in the modern Springbok setup, Etzebeth pointed directly to his teammate Deon Fourie, who is remarkably still delivering world-class performances on the international stage at 39 years old.
While Etzebeth acknowledges that the golden generation of Springboks is ageing, he revealed that their training and preparation have actually intensified to keep up with the demands of the modern game.
"I know we’re getting a bit older, but personally it feels like we’re working a lot harder than when we were younger," Etzebeth said. "I think I speak on behalf of all the older guys who have been here for a while."
Going into high-stakes Test matches, Etzebeth believes the shared history within the current squad is one of South Africa's greatest weapons. Rather than resting on their laurels, the veteran players are constantly analysing their performances to push the team forward.
"Experience is quite important," he explained. "A lot of us talk about what happens on the field and what we can do better in certain situations."
For Etzebeth, staying at the top of the international rugby mountain isn't about individual glory. Instead, it is driven by a deep sense of gratitude and a duty to the South African public to keep the iconic green and gold jersey flying high.
"There’s still a big sense of responsibility, not just individually, but as a collective to keep representing South Africa well and to the best of our ability," said Etzebeth.
"We understand how fortunate we are to still be here, and I think that’s why we're still performing at such a high level and competing with the best in the world."
If his body replicates the incredible longevity of Deon Fourie, rugby fans might just see the ultimate enforcer anchoring the Springbok scrum in 2031.