Etzebeth rumours rubbished as Bok returns in 28-man Sharks touring squad

Eben Etzebeth has been named in the Hollywoodbets Sharks’ 28-man squad for their upcoming United Rugby Championship (URC) matches in Scotland and Ireland.

His inclusion appears to rubbish recent speculation in South Africa that the Springbok lock might be forced into retirement due to repeatd injuries.

The towering Springbok enforcer hasn’t played since the Sharks beat the Exeter Chiefs in the Champions Cup back in December.

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Sharks head coach John Plumtree confirmed Etzebeth’s availability alongside fellow returning Springboks Grant Williams, Lukhanyo Am, and Aphelele Fassi.

All four had missed sections of the season while nursing various injuries. The Sharks hope their restored roster will bolster a push for a top-four finish in the URC standings.

Etzebeth’s comeback coincides with a crucial two-match run for the Durban-based side. They first travel to Scotland to face Edinburgh at Hive Stadium on Friday night (8.30pm kick-off).

A trip to Ireland follows as the Sharks prepare to meet Ulster in what will be their last away game before closing out the regular season with two home fixtures at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.

Plumtree’s squad includes 16 forwards and 12 backs.

The Sharks aim to improve their chances of hosting key playoff matches later in the URC season. Edinburgh sit eighth on the table, with Ulster currently sixth.

FORWARDS
Bongi Mbonambi
Eben Etzebeth
Emile van Heerden
Ethan Bester
Fezokuhle Mbatha
Hanro Jacobs
James Venter
Jason Jenkins
Manu Tshituka
Ntuthuko Mchunu
Ox Nche
Phepsi Buthelezi
Ruan Dreyer
Siya Kolisi
Vincent Koch
Vincent Tshituka

BACKS
Andre Esterhuizen
Aphelele Fassi
Bradley Davids
Ethan Hooker
Grant Williams
Jaden Hendrikse
Jordan Hendrikse
Jurenzo Julius
Lukhanyo Am
Makazole Mapimpi
Siya Masuku
Yaw Penxe