Etzebeth set to rejoin Sharks squad in Europe after early injury scare

Eben Etzebeth will travel to join the Hollywoodbets Sharks in Europe during the second week of their three-match tour, the club confirmed, after the 147-cap lock was initially absent from the 28-man squad named for their Challenge Cup opener against Lyon. The Springbok was withdrawn from the first half of last weekend’s 39-22 defeat to the Stormers in Cape Town with what appeared to be a knee problem.

The Sharks had listed Etzebeth among their injured players and stated he was awaiting further medical examination for a “lower limb injury”, but subsequently confirmed via social media that he would join the squad in week two alongside Andre Esterhuizen, Ox Nche, Thomas du Toit, Ethan Hooker and Edwill van der Merwe.

All six will miss Saturday’s trip to Lyon, but are due to be available for the URC away fixtures against Cardiff and Munster. The Sharks currently sit fifth in the URC table.

While Etzebeth’s planned return offers some encouragement about the injury’s severity, the club has yet to issue a formal medical update and his involvement remains potentially provisional.

The 34-year-old arrives at this point in the season carrying a significant workload. He was one of only two Sharks — alongside Hooker — to start the fourth Test against New Zealand in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Series, before the squad faced Australia in Perth a fortnight later. The remaining five Springboks in the touring group had already been earmarked for mandatory rest following the international schedule.

Head coach JP Pietersen will name his side for Lyon from the original travelling party of 28, with reinforcements set to arrive ahead of the Cardiff and Munster fixtures to complete the European tour.