Springboks Star Eben Etzebeth to Assist With Coaching at Sharks During 12-Match Ban

Eben Etzebeth to Assist With Coaching at Sharks During 12-Match Suspension

Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth will spend his 12-match suspension assisting with coaching duties at the Sharks after receiving a lengthy ban for gouging Wales’ Alex Mann during South Africa’s final Test of the year in Cardiff.

The sanction was initially set at 18 weeks but reduced to 12, ruling the veteran Bok out of the Sharks’ next four Champions Cup matches and eight United Rugby Championship fixtures.

Also Read: ‘We haven’t won here in a while’: Springboks star Eben Etzebeth on Dublin clash

Sharks De-Register Etzebeth for Champions Cup

Sharks head coach John Plumtree told reporters on Friday that the union has de-registered Etzebeth from their Champions Cup squad to make room for an additional player.

“It’s just an admin thing really,” Plumtree said, adding that Etzebeth may be re-registered if the Sharks advance to the playoffs in April.

Plumtree also confirmed his own departure from the franchise following Sunday’s Champions Cup pool match against Toulouse.

Eben Etzebeth to Assist With Coaching at Sharks (Image Credit: News24)

Plumtree: ‘Eben’s Devastated and Remorseful’

Plumtree described the suspension as a major setback for the Sharks.

“Eben’s devastated. It’s a big blow for us. One of our star players, an important part of our tight five and also our leadership,” he said.

The coach added that he had spoken to Etzebeth, who is currently on a short break with his family.

“He’s very remorseful, obviously. He knows what an impact it can have on a club like ours.”

Injury Woes Add to Sharks’ Lock Crisis

The Sharks are also grappling with injuries to locks Corné Rahl and Deon Slabbert, further straining their depth in the second row. Both players are expected to be available only at the end of December.

Etzebeth to Work With Juniors and Selected Seniors

Despite being unavailable for selection, Etzebeth will remain involved at the union.
Plumtree said the Bok stalwart will work with junior players, assist certain senior squad members, and take on additional tasks during his suspension.

“He needs to be around… we’ll get him doing some tasks for us which will help,” he said.

The team will reassess Etzebeth’s role under interim coach JP Pietersen when they return to South Africa for upcoming home fixtures against Saracens and the Bulls.