Eben Etzebeth, a South African rugby giant etched into history

Born on 29 October 1991 in Cape Town, Eben Etzebeth quickly stood out for his imposing size (2.03 metres) and power. He made his Springboks debut in 2012 at just 20, in a win over England. That first Test marked the start of an exceptional international career, in which he quickly became indispensable in the South African front line. In 2013, he was nominated for World Player of the Year, recognition of his immediate impact on the side.

A Springboks cornerstone

Remarkably consistent, Etzebeth has missed just 19 of the 146 matches the Springboks have played since his debut. Able to play the full 80 minutes without letting up, he was a key figure in South Africa's victories at the 2019 and 2023 World Cups.

It is not only his imposing physique or his lineout play that make him a giant, but also his ability to lead, having captained the Springboks in several Tests, notably in 2017.

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The match against Argentina on 28 September 2024 will be remembered not only for the record being broken, but also for the touching moment when Etzebeth came onto the pitch, not alone as tradition dictates, but accompanied by his wife and their daughter. A tribute to a man whose career goes well beyond the confines of sport.

Victor Matfield, the former record holder, made no secret of his admiration: "It's fantastic that one of the best Springboks, if not the best, has broken my record".

An impressive honours list

Beyond his individual records, Eben Etzebeth's honours list is just as impressive: two World Cup wins (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 regarded as one of the greatest players in South African rugby history, Etzebeth shows no sign of slowing down. Driven by the desire to keep representing his country at the highest level, he has no plans to stop any time soon and hopes to remain a mainstay of the Springboks and of his club, the Sharks of Durban.

"I'm sticking to my guns for now. I'm going to push my body as far as it will go. The pinnacle is playing rugby for the Springboks, so I'll keep giving my all, training hard and trying to perform for my club. I hope the coaches will keep picking me ", he said after breaking the record and winning one more trophy with South Africa.

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