Culture Craze

Unlocked: Eben Etzebeth’s New Book Reveals the Man Behind the Springbok Jersey

Published

2 months ago

July 28, 2025

Chiraag

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South Africa’s most capped Springbok isn’t done yet, and now, he’s telling his story in his own words.

He has 133 test caps to his name, the bruising physicality of a forward who’s gone toe-to-toe with the best, and a career that’s already made him a rugby legend. But in 2025, Eben Etzebeth is letting the world in, not just on what it’s like to wear the green and gold, but on the man behind the muscle.

This October, Etzebeth will release his debut biography, titled Unlocked (Ten Slotte in Afrikaans). The book traces his journey from a kid in Goodwood to becoming the heartbeat of South African rugby. It’s not just about the glory days and the grit. It’s about the quiet moments too, the setbacks, the doubts, the fight to stay fit, and the fear of letting go.

“I’m Not Giving Up My Place”

Retirement? Not in his vocabulary.

While most sports biographies come after retirement, Etzebeth’s comes at a fascinating crossroads, one where he’s still very much in the fight. At 33, he’s not talking exits or timelines. In his own words:

“I want to wear that No. 4 jersey in the green and gold as many times as possible… I’m not giving up my place.”

He admits that age brings new challenges, recovery is slower, and injuries linger longer, but his hunger to stay in the Springbok jersey is still roaring. For fans, it’s not just inspiring. It’s classic Eben. Relentless. Honest. Real.

What the Book Promises

More than match stats, it’s about the man.

Etzebeth took to Instagram to share a heartfelt preview:

“Over the past few months, I’ve taken time to reflect on my journey… the highs, the lows, the lessons… what it really took to wear the green and gold.”

According to the post, Unlocked dives into not just his career highlights but also the emotional costs, personal sacrifices, and off-field pressures that came with being one of South Africa’s most recognisable players. This isn’t just for rugby fans; it’s for anyone who’s fought for their place and kept pushing when the world expected them to stop.

A Record That Speaks for Itself

Etzebeth’s test cap history puts him at the top of Springbok royalty.

In October 2024, Eben Etzebeth officially became the most-capped Springbok of all time, surpassing Victor Matfield’s 127 caps. He now stands at 133 and counting, a milestone that places him in elite company alongside legends like Bryan Habana, John Smit, Jean de Villiers, and Percy Montgomery.

Yet, despite the accolades, he’s not slowing down. That makes this book all the more intriguing; it’s a rare look into an athlete while the story is still being written.

Public Reaction: “We’ve Waited for This”

Fans and fellow players are already fired up.

Since his Instagram announcement, there’s been no shortage of anticipation online. Rugby fans across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram have called it a must-read, with comments like:

“The realest Bok of our generation telling it like it is.”
“Can’t wait. He’s still playing, still grinding, and already legendary.”

Even former teammates have weighed in with praise, saying it’s time Eben’s voice was heard outside the scrum.

Where and When to Get It

Pre-orders are now open.

Unlocked is set to officially hit shelves in October 2025. Pre-orders are already open through major bookstores and online platforms. Whether you want the English edition or the Afrikaans version (Ten Slotte), it promises to be one of the most talked-about sports memoirs of the year.