Etzebeth slotting in seamlessly at the Sharks

What has been nearly a year in the making culminated in a scintillating debut from the 30-year-old who bagged the player of the match award on his Sharks debut against Glasgow last weekend. Despite his brilliant performance, Etzebeth is just grateful to be playing rugby in South Africa again.

“I think the conversation started in about February or March and I wasn’t really happy where I was,” Etzebeth said.

“My family was in South Africa and I wanted to come and when I spoke with Siya (Kolisi) and what started as a joke got quite serious!

“I spoke with Marco (Massoti) and they were able to bring me back to South Africa and to Durban and I’m so grateful to be able to be back.”

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Being born and bred in the Western Cape and playing many seasons for Western Province and the Stormers, Etzebeth sees his latest move as a restart rather than a move to rivals.

“I think if I had come straight from the Stormers to the Sharks it would have been quite a big shock to the system but I was away for three years overseas before coming here.

“I see it as a whole new start and not a move from the Stormers to the Sharks, I see it as a move from France back to South Africa and being closer to home.

“And I’m so grateful that the Sharks have given me this unbelievable opportunity.”

The fans at Hollywoodbets Kings Park showed their love for Etzebeth last weekend with the lock forward breaking protocol to acknowledge the support.

“I heard my name being shouted from the stands a few times, I don’t like being distracted, but before a line-out I had to give them a little, sneaky wave!

“There were guys with my name painted on their chests and I had a photo with them after the game.

“I must say I really enjoyed the game and the spirit and atmosphere that was here at Kings Park,” he added.