When you think of Eben Etzebeth, you probably imagine a 6.8 ft, 120 kilogram giant bulldozing his way through a rugby scrum like it’s no big deal. You’d be right... on the field, he’s a human wrecking ball. Off the field, however, you might be surprised to learn that this rugby titan is as down-to-earth as they come, with a sense of humor to match. And, as of 2024, Etzebeth has a new feather in his cap: he’s now South Africa’s most-capped rugby player, with an incredible 128 appearances in green and gold. Let’s dive into the story of how he got here, and why we all love the big guy.
Born on October 29, 1991, in Cape Town, Eben didn’t start out as the hulking rugby star we know today. In fact, during his high school days at Hoërskool Tygerberg, he played in the B-team. Yes, you read that right, the B-team! It wasn’t until a late growth spurt turned him into a human skyscraper that his rugby career really took off.
Soon enough, he was knocking heads and turning heads in Western Province, and in 2010, he joined the Western Province Rugby Institute. Here, he trained alongside future Springbok captain Siya Kolisi. By 2012, Eben had made his debut for the South African national team, and from there, his career shot up like a lineout jumper on rocket fuel.
What makes Eben Etzebeth such a feared opponent? Well, when you’re 6ft 8in and weigh 117kg (erm... that’s a small car, by the way), you’ve got some natural advantages. But it’s not just his size that intimidates the opposition... it’s his attitude. He’s been dubbed one of rugby’s greatest “enforcers”, a player whose presence in the scrum sends shivers down the spine of his rivals. His sheer power in tackles, scrums, and rucks has earned him a reputation as one of the hardest players in the game. #nojokes
But here’s the thing... while Eben looks like he could single-handedly lift a bakkie, off the field, he’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. Well, I think so. I would love to meet him in person. *wink *wink
In September 2024, Etzebeth reached a milestone that will probably take years... if not decades... for anyone else to catch. During the 2024 Rugby Championship, he earned his 128th cap for South Africa, making him the most-capped Springbok of all time. In classic Eben fashion, he downplayed the personal achievement, focusing instead on the team’s impressive win over Argentina that secured the Rugby Championship title.
After the game, he called his teammates’ performance “unbelievable.” Most of us would’ve popped a bottle of champagne and done a victory lap or victory dance, but Eben? He just shrugged and said it was all about the team. Humble much?!
Here’s where things get fun. While Etzebeth is a beast on the rugby field, off the field, he’s a bit of a joker. His teammates often talk about how he’s one of the funniest guys in the squad. And can you blame him? When you’re 6ft 8in and built like a tank, you probably need a good sense of humor just to fit into regular life.
One of Eben’s more relatable quirks? He’s got a soft spot for KFC. Yep, even rugby’s biggest stars can’t resist fried chicken. Imagine seeing this rugby colossus walk into a KFC, asking for an extra-large bucket... or two... now there’s a mental image that’ll make you smile.
In 2023, Etzebeth tied the knot with Anlia van Rensburg, an actress and his biggest supporter. The couple welcomed their first child not long after, which probably makes Eben's home life a little more chaotic... changing nappies can be as intense as any rugby match, right?!
Etzebeth has shown time and time again that while rugby is his passion, family is his priority. His softer side shines through in the love he shows for his wife and child, proving that even the toughest of rugby players are big softies at heart.
On social media, Eben Etzebeth isn’t exactly a prolific poster, but when he does engage, it’s typically straight to the point. Case in point: his direct yet playful exchanges with former Springbok teammate Bakkies Botha on X (formerly Twitter). It’s the type of banter you’d expect from two rugby titans... sharp, funny, and completely no-nonsense.
Despite not being glued to his phone, Eben has built a strong fan base. Whether it’s through his brief social media moments or his performances on the field, one thing is clear... fans love the guy.
As Eben Etzebeth continues to dominate the rugby world with his club, the Sharks, and the Springboks, one can only wonder what’s next for this giant of the game. At 32, he shows no signs of slowing down. South Africa’s most-capped player has plenty more to offer, whether it’s lifting trophies, smashing scrums, or dare I say... trying out for KFC’s next ad campaign.
One thing’s for sure: Eben Etzebeth is a name that will be remembered long after he hangs up his boots. For now, though, we’ll continue to enjoy watching this gentle giant smash his way through opposition defenses while staying humble, funny, and just a little bit obsessed with fried chicken.
And there you have it: Eben Etzebeth, South Africa’s most-capped rugby player, a fearsome enforcer on the field, a joker off it, and someone who’s probably tucking into a KFC bucket right now.
Martin is a digital marketing specialist, a producer and always online. His educational background is Digital Marketing and has given him a broad base from which to approach many topics. His little girl comes first and in his spare time he really enjoys making music and creating content.
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