Eben Etzebeth has addressed growing speculation about his future after an injury-hit 2025/26 campaign that has seen him play just 340 minutes across all competitions for club and country.
The double World Cup-winning Springboks lock has endured a frustrating season, with injuries severely limiting his involvement, but the 34-year-old insists retirement is not on his radar.
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Despite concerns over his fitness and increasing questions about how much longer he can continue at the highest level, Etzebeth says his desire to represent South Africa remains as strong as ever.
“I want to wear that No 4 jersey in the green and gold as many times as possible,” he told Rapport.
“The competitive spirit is still strong in me – I’m not giving up my place. I want to be in the team for as long as possible.
“I’m not thinking about playing until a certain year – I’m just going to keep pushing. The key is staying fit and avoiding injury, because recovery is harder as you get older.”
Retirement talk? Etzebeth not done yet
Despite the suspension and growing questions about his long-term future, Etzebeth has made it clear that retirement is not on his radar.
The veteran lock, who has amassed 133 Test caps, insists his hunger to represent South Africa remains undiminished.
“I want to wear that No 4 jersey in the green and gold as many times as possible,” he told Rapport.
“The competitive spirit is still strong in me – I’m not giving up my place. I want to be in the team for as long as possible.
Etzebeth, South Africa’s most-capped player with 133 Test appearances, acknowledged the realities of a brutal professional game and how quickly careers can be cut short.
“The curtain falls for everyone. It came early for Steven Kitshoff, but that was due to injury – it could have happened when he was 24.
“Every year the younger guys are just bigger, better and faster. Players like Salmaan Moerat and Ruan Nortje are already world class. They push me to improve – and that’s the way it should be.”
Having managed just 340 minutes of action across all competitions during the 2025/26 season, Etzebeth faces a crucial period as he looks to put his injury troubles behind him and cement his place in the Springboks squad ahead of the next international cycle.
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