Eben Etzebeth, a record in the history of South African rugby

At 32, Eben Etzebeth wrote a new page in the history of South African rugby by becoming the Springboks' most capped player, with 128 caps. This record, established on September 28, 2024 during the decisive match of the Rugby Championship against Argentina at Mbombela Stadium, and won by the South Africans, symbolizes the incredible longevity and consistency of the second row in a team which has already won two World Cups in his presence.

Born October 29, 1991 in Cape Town, Eben Etzebeth quickly distinguished himself by his imposing size (2.03 meters) and his power. He made his debut with the Springboks in 2012 at just 20 years old, in a victory against England. This first Test would mark the start of an exceptional international career, where he quickly became a fixture in the South African frontline. In 2013, he was nominated for World Player of the Year, recognition of his immediate impact on the team.

A pillar of the Springboks

Sparkling with his consistency, Etzebeth has only missed 19 of the 146 matches played by the Springboks since his debut. Capable of playing all 80 minutes tirelessly, he was a key player in South Africa's victories at the 2019 and 2023 World Cups.

It is not only his impressive physique or his touch play that makes him a giant, but also his ability to lead his own, having captained the Springboks in several tests, notably in 2017.

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This match of September 28, 2024 against Argentina will be remembered not only for the broken record, but also for the touching moment when Etzebeth entered the field, not alone as tradition dictates, but accompanied by his wife and of their daughter. A tribute to a man whose career goes far beyond sport.

Victor Matfield, the former record holder, did not hide his admiration: “ It's fantastic that one of the best Springboks, if not the best, has broken my record “.

An impressive track record

In addition to his individual records, Eben Etzebeth's record is just as impressive: two World Cups won (2019 and 2023), several Rugby Championship titles, and a major impact in the victorious series against the British and Irish Lions in 2021 .

Although already considered one of the greatest players in South African rugby history, Etzebeth shows no signs of slowing down. Motivated by the desire to continue representing his country at the highest level, he does not plan to stop anytime soon and hopes to remain a pillar of the Springboks and his club, the Durban Sharks.

“ I'm sticking to my guns for the moment. I'm going to push my body as far as it can go. The pinnacle is playing rugby for the Springboks, so I will continue to give my all, train hard and try to perform for my club. I hope the coaches continue to select me “, he confided after breaking the record and winning one more trophy with South Africa.

With this record, Etzebeth definitively enters the legend of world rugby, cementing his legacy as one of the most respected and influential players of his era.