Eben Etzebeth To Remain On As Springboks Captain

Springbok coach Allister Coetzee has confirmed that lock Eben Etzebeth will remain on as captain for the rest of the year.

Etzebeth will will continue as skipper in the absence No.8 Warren Whiteley, who has been ruled out of the tour to Ireland, France, Italy and Wales. Whitely isn’t expected to return for at least another two months.

The Stormers’ second-row took up the mantle June when Whiteley was forced to withdraw on the eve of the third Test against France in Johannesburg. The towering lock has remained in charge for all the Springboks’ Rugby Championship games/

Coetzee said Etzebeth has been impressive in the new leadership role so far this season:

“Eben has really taken to his role as captain of the Springboks and it makes sense to retain him. I know he is well respected by talking to opposition coaches and referees, and he enjoys the respect of his peers.”

The Springboks head coach also added that Etzebeth is supported by a strong leadership group.

“With Eben at the helm for the Outgoing Tour, we are looking forward to continue our process of building continuity, cohesion and experience within this team as we also start to build towards the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan,”