The Hollywoodbets Sharks have issued a statement on the progress of Springbok lock Eben Etebeth's return to play since suffering a concussion in the Sharks' 39-21 home win over the Exeter Chiefs in the European Champions Cup on 07 December 2024.
The statement read that Etzebeth has "suffered a return of symptoms of his recent concussion. The Sharks take this injury very seriously and player welfare remains our top priority. Eben is being managed by concussion specialists. He will be cleared to return once they are fully satisfied that his injury has been completely resolved."
The "management" of Etzebeth and injuries will be vital for the Springboks' hopes to defend their crown at the 2027 Rugby World Rugby in Australia. If Etzebeth do make it to Australia he will join a handful of players to play at four World Cups.
However, Etebeth has previously struggled with concussion symptoms that also kept him on the sidelines at times.
Etzebeth suffered a concussion in the test match against England at Twickenham in 2016 and again in Super Rugby action in 2019. When he played at Toulon in France in 2021 he spent three months out after suffering three concussions in the season.
Etzebeth’s problems come amid increased scrutiny on head injuries in rugby. World Rugby has responded by making some shifts towards limiting head contact and prioritising player welfare following a tidal wave of medical evidence has emerged over the last decade which details the lifelong impact that concussions and brain injuries have on the sufferers.
The testimonies from several international rugby players as to how their day-to-day lives are impacted by what they believe is the effect of head injuries sustained during their rugby careers are heart-wrenching, and one can only wonder when Etzebeth and his family will decide that the cost of fame weighs a lot less than that of their family happiness.