Etzebeth ruled out of Sharks' European tour with lower-limb injury after Stormers defeat

Eben Etzebeth has been ruled out of the Sharks’ 28-man touring squad for their three-match trip to Europe after sustaining a lower-limb injury in Saturday’s 39-22 defeat to the Stormers in Cape Town. The 34-year-old will undergo further medical examinations to determine the extent of the damage.

Etzebeth is one of several Springboks missing from JP Pietersen’s travelling group, though not all absences are injury-related. Andre Esterhuizen, Ox Nche, Thomas du Toit, Ethan Hooker and Edwill van der Merwe have been placed on mandatory rest following a demanding international schedule.

Makazole Mapimpi remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Vusi Moyo is unavailable due to a shoulder problem. Phepsi Buthelezi, Fez Mbatha, Hendre Stassen and Yaw Penxe are also on the Sharks’ injury list, leaving Pietersen with a significantly depleted Springbok contingent for the tour.

There is some positive news for the Durban side, however, with Vincent Tshituka and Jaco Williams both returning to contention after recovering from their respective injuries and earning places in the squad.

Pietersen has selected 17 forwards and 11 backs for the tour, with reinforcements expected to join the group as the trip progresses. The Sharks open their European campaign against Lyon in the Challenge Cup before returning to United Rugby Championship action with away fixtures against Cardiff and Munster.

The tour comes after back-to-back home wins were followed by the loss to the Stormers, and Etzebeth’s absence adds a significant concern for a side facing a demanding run of matches away from home.

Sharks touring squad: Cameron Dawson, Deon Slabbert, Eduan Swart, Emile van Heerden, Esethu Mnebelele, Ethan Bester, Hanro Jacobs, Jason Jenkins, Manu Tshituka, Matt Romao, Nemo Roelofse, Nick Hatton, Phatu Ganyane, Stephan Lewies, Tinotenda Mavesere, Vincent Koch, Vincent Tshituka; Bradley Davids, Gianni Lombard, Ivan van Zyl, Jaco Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Jurenzo Julius, Litelihle Bester, Murray Koster, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Zekhethelo Siyaya.