Sports
Eben Etzebeth Returns After Lengthy Injury Layoff, Just in Time for URC Knockout Clash
After missing nearly four months of the United Rugby Championship due to a frustrating run of injuries, Sharks captain Eben Etzebeth is back on the field and feeling more like himself.
Due to a hamstring strain in March, the veteran lock’s return was further delayed after he missed 13 URC games this season due to lingering concussion symptoms that began in December. Before the Sharks play Munster in the URC quarterfinals, Etzebeth acknowledged that the protracted layoff tried his patience.
Injury Timeline and Setbacks
Etzebeth’s return to play was derailed by a series of unfortunate events:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December | Suffered a concussion with recurring symptoms |
| March | Picked up a hamstring injury at Springbok alignment camp |
| 18 April | Made a return vs Edinburgh, received yellow card |
| 27 April | Injured knee against Ospreys, later diagnosed as a haematoma |
| 11 May | Played full 80 minutes vs Scarlets |
Etzebeth told reporters on Tuesday that it felt good to be back in action after playing an entire 80-minute match against Scarlets.
“You truly feel like you are back in the mix when you get in a full game of rugby,” he said.
Timing, Recuperation, and Frustration
Etzebeth acknowledged that the healing process had been emotionally draining and erratic. His symptoms would resurface right when he believed he was ready to resume playing, and concussions in particular have no discernible recovery period.
He remarked, “It’s strange to say the body feels fresh at this time of year, but that’s the way it is.” There isn’t really a timeframe for concussions. It’s your reaction. That was the annoying aspect.
Etzebeth’s return couldn’t be more anticipated now that she is healthy and ready. The Sharks will rely on their captain’s leadership and physicality to help them advance to the knockout stages when they play Munster in their URC quarterfinal at Kings Park this Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Sourced:The Citizen
Picture: X/@News24
