The Game Changers

When you hear the name Eben Etzebeth it is pretty clear what comes to mind. You think of a genuine man mountain and physical colossus, which is clearly part of the reason he’s become Evox’s poster boy and brand ambassador.

- Ben Karpinski

SOME PRETTY WEIGHTY PROSE, I know. But when you meet the man you get a true understanding of what is meant when people say someone has ‘presence’. There is a lot more to Etzebeth than his 2-metre frame and 118kg bulk though. He is someone that gives his all on the field of play which has seen him achieve a great deal in the world of rugby so far. It is also something that has built him into being one of the world’s most iconic rugby players right now, and the backbone of the Stormers and Springbok teams.

He debuted for the Stormers and Springboks in the same year back in 2012 aged just 20, and as a result knew all about the highest level of the game before even playing Currie Cup rugby for Western Province. These initial accolades were testament to his work ethic and desire to assert himself in the most physical of sports. This was in no small way rooted in a dedication to training that the big lock perhaps doesn’t always get credit for. It’s one thing being gifted with a genetic edge, being someone who is literally head and shoulders above the rest, but it always comes down to what you do with it.

As he neared the later stages of high school, he experienced a bit of a growth spurt which set his sporting destiny in motion. From there he knew he had to work really hard in building muscle to not only match his structural growth, but also to ensure he had a future in the game. Initially taking to gym work from the age of 16, it was only when he joined the Western Province Academy as an under 19 player that he was able to really apply himself in his training.

He soon went on to make an impression there though, outgrowing the dumbbells on offer for free weight exercises. The union literally had to order in custom made weights to cater for Etzebeth’s strength training needs.