Etzebeth returns to boost club, country

South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth is back from injury at the perfect time, with the Springboks ready to embark on a programme of 13 Tests in 2025.

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DURBAN -

Etzebeth played his first full match in five months when his club, the Sharks beat Scarlets two weeks ago to secure a top-four place in the United Rugby Championship regular-season standings, with a home game against Munster in the last eight in Durban on May 31.

There had been concerns about the 33-year-old's playing future when he was ruled out after suffering concussion in a win over Exeter Chiefs in the European Champions Cup in December.

However, South Africa's most capped international said his body was rested and fresh.

"It was obviously frustrating with the concussion," he told reporters in the build-up to the clash against Munster. "There's not really a timeline on it. It's all about your symptoms and how you respond to certain treatments. So I'd think, 'maybe I'll be back in a week's time' and then it's a bit longer.

"And then I picked up a hamstring (injury) and had to sit out a bit more."