Springbok star Eben Etzebeth turned a year older, and social media was abuzz with warm birthday wishes.
With an illustrious career spanning years, he has quickly become one of the most celebrated players in world rugby. Back home, Eben Etzebeth has been influential in the Springboks squad since 2012.
WINNING BIG WITH THE BOKS
The star player debuted his first Springboks squad in the second row alongside debutant Juandre Kruger on 9 June 2012 at Kings Park Stadium, Durban.
Since then, he has been winning big with the Springboks. In October, he broke Victor Mattfield’s record for most test caps after reaching the 150 test mark.
He was part of the Springboks squad that made history after winning the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
The Springboks edged New Zealand 12-11 in an epic encounter, and South Africa became the first nation to lift the Rugby World Cup four times. The Boks archived this feat in eight appearances.
With the World Cup win, the Springboks became the second team to win the major rugby tournament back to back.
EBEN ETZEBETH’S AGE REVEALED
However, despite his big wins, Eben Etzebeth has managed to keep his private life under wraps, leaving many to guess about his age.
Against the backdrop of his birthday, Springboks captain Siya Kolisi revealed his age when he penned a heartfelt birthday post to his ‘best friend.’
Siya Kolisi poster, “33 ❤️ Happy birthday, my brother @ebenetzebeth4 ! Here’s to more memories.”
Thanks to his substantial following online, Eben Etzebeth often trends whenever he posts or gets posted.
Siya Kolisi’s birthday post to Eben Etzebeth has gained thousands of comments and reactions since it dropped online.
Surprisingly, he joins a host of Springbok stars who recently celebrated their birthdays. The 31-year-old speedster was born on 28 October 1993 in Kraaifontein, Cape Town, South Africa.
Like Cheslin Kolbe, Eben Etzebeth’s career was quickly implicated. Does Etzebeth still have a few years to play for the Boks?
LAST RUGBY WORLD CUP DANCE IN 2027?
The 33-year-old star was born on 29 October 1991 in Cape Town, South Africa. At the time of the next Rugby World Cup in 2027, he will be 36. His contract with the Sharks will also run down in 2027.
Mzansi was convinced he might have his last dance with the Springboks in 2027. He also joins a long list of Springbok players who might have their last dance in the green and gold jersey in 2027.
Like other athletes, rugby players usually retire from international competitions on big stages such as the World Cup.
With the 11th edition slated for 2027, several Boks players might retire at the World Cup.
Fans are convinced that with a host of players, including Siya Kolisi, Cheslin Kolbe and Bongi Mbonambi, in their 30s, they might consider retiring from the game at the 2027 showpiece.