Explore the biography of Eben Etzebeth, the accomplished rugby player

Explore the biography of Eben Etzebeth, the accomplished rugby player

Claudia Kogi
February 19, 2024 at 10:20 AM

South African rugby union player Eben Etzebeth rose to fame as a lock for the Sharks and Western Province. In 2022, he began playing with the club Sharks, and it was since then that his fame garnered him significant fan bases across social media platforms.

Eben Etzebeth during a South Africa training session
Eben Etzebeth during a South Africa training session at Stade des Fauvettes on 23 October 2023 in Domont, France. Photo: Michael Steele (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Etzebeth is a renowned rugby player in South Africa, famous for his outstanding skills and tricks. Whenever he is on the field, fans cannot help but cheer at the top of their lungs for this remarkable player. Undeniably, his statistics are awe-inspiring.

Eben Etzebeth's profile summary

Full name

Eben Etzebeth

Date of birth

29 October 1991

Age

32 years as of February 2024

Place of birth

Cape Town, Cape Province, South Africa

Nationality

South African

Ethnicity

Mixed

Father

The late Harry Etzebeth

Sibling

Ryen

Height

6 feet 9 inches or 204 centimetres

Weight

262 pounds or 119 kilograms

Marital status

Married

Spouse

Anlia van Rensburg

Profession

Professional rugby player

Current team

Sharks and West Province

Position

Lock

Salary

$1,134,099

Net worth

$1 million to $5 million

Social media presence

Instagram , X (Twitter)

Eben Etzebeth's biography

Eben Etzebeth (age 32 years as of February 2024) was born on 29 October 1991 in Cape Town, Cape Province, South Africa. Not much is known about his parents except he was raised by his dad, the late Harry Etzebeth, a well-known wrestler in the Parow area. Etzebeth was raised alongside his brother, Ryen Etzebeth.

His family is highly engaged in rugby, including his uncles, Cliffie and Skattie, who also play rugby. Etzebeth attended Hoërskool Tygerberg, where he enhanced his rugby and athletic skills. After completion, he enrolled at the University of Cape Town, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in social science.

Professional career

Eben Etzebeth of South Africa celebrates at full-time after their team's victory during the Rugby World Cup France 2023
Top 5 facts about Eben Etzebeth. Photo: Franco Arland/Getty Images (Modified by author)
Source: Original

The professional athlete was regarded as a player of huge promise from an early age, mainly when he showcased his skills and performances while playing for Waterhead Wolverines, Oldham. He then entered the Western Province youth structures in 2009 and featured in various tournaments.

His career moved up a gear in 2011 when he was part of the UCT Ikey Tigers side, which took the Varsity Cup championship. However, he did not play in the second half of the 2011 Currie Cup due to an impending injury that resurfaced. It became unfortunate for him as he suffered multiple injuries throughout his debuting years.

NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes

Eben signed a deal in July 2015 to play for the famous rugby club in the Japanese Top League. He completed his career stint, having made eight appearances and scoring five points.

Toulon

In December 2018, Toulon announced Etzebeth would join them after the 2019 Rugby World Cup. It was only a matter of time before he made a start at Blindside Flank for the first time after a teammate got injured before kick-off. He completed his stint, having made 40 appearances and scoring 35 points.

Sharks

Eben Etzebeth celebrates their victory during the Rugby World Cup France 2023
Eben celebrates their victory during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Gold Final match against New Zealand at Stade de France on 28 October 2023 in Paris, France. Photo: David Rogers
Source: Getty Images

The professional South African athlete signed yet another deal with Sharks, reportedly to last until 2027. As of February 2023, he has already made 11 appearances and scored 25 points.

International career

He has also represented his country, South Africa, internationally and made several World Cup appearances. The professional rugby player was called up to the Springbok squad for the first time ahead of the three-match series against England in June 2012.

It was only a matter of time before he was nominated for the 2013 IRB Player of the Year award. He made his first World Cup appearance in 2015 and second in 2019, when South Africa won the tournament, defeating England in the finals. As of February 2024, Etzebeth is considered the third most capped Springbok ever.

What is Eben Etzebeth's position?

In his current team, the professional rugby player plays the lock position. However, he had a story to tell the media in France about how he changed his position when he was a teenager. This was following his skinny and small nature then. He said,

I was not the best, and I had no technical or physical advantage. I had to work really hard, and it was not until around 17 or 18 years old, when I was integrated into the Western Province, that I realised that I might have a chance for a career.
Eben Etzebeth celebrates after winning the Rugby World Cup France 2023
Eben Etzebeth celebrates after winning the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Gold Final match against New Zealand at Stade de France on 28 October 2023 in Paris, France. Photo: Paul Harding
Source: Getty Images
Before I was 16, I was not at all impressive, but I suddenly grew 20 centimetres, so a coach suggested that I move from winger to second row. Versatility is rare, isn't it? It was a bit surprising at first. The relationship to combat was not the same. Finally, I learned to find pleasure in it.

Eben Etzebeth's net worth and salary

Eben has not publicly disclosed the exact figures of his net worth. However, various online sources such as Wealthy Spy put it between $1 million and $5 million. His net worth has immensely grown over the years and is reported to increase in the future.

As a legendary rugby athlete, Eben is reported to earn a substantial annual salary of $1,134,099 according to his current contract.

Frequently asked questions

Etzebeth is a well-established rugby player who has made a name for himself on and off the pitch. As of February 2024, he boasts over 500k followers. Here are some interesting facts about him you probably did not know about.

What is Eben Etzebeth's height and weight?

The legendary player is 6 feet 9 inches or 204 centimetres tall and weighs 262 pounds or 119 kilograms. He has dark brown hair and eyes.

The famous rugby player with his wife, Anlia van Rensburg
The famous rugby player with his wife, Anlia van Rensburg. Photo: @ebenetzebeth4 (Modified by author)
Source: Instagram

Who is Eben Etzebeth's wife?

The legendary rugby player is married to Anlia van Rensburg, a famous actress and singer. The duo tied the knot in February 2023 at the La Paris Estate in Franschhoek in the Western Cape.

What is Eben Etzebeth's nationality?

He is a South African national of a mixed ethnic background.

Is Eben Etzebeth on Instagram?

The professional athlete is a dynamic personality on social media, where he has garnered over 528k followers on Instagram and 137k followers on X (Twitter) as of February 2024. He often uploads photos and videos documenting his life on and off the rugby pitch.

Final word

Eben Etzebeth is a renowned and well-decorated South African-based rugby player whose outstanding pitch skills have garnered him significant fan bases across social media. Additionally, thanks to his skills, he is regarded among the most capped Springboks of all time.

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Authors
Claudia Kogi photo
Claudia Kogi
Claudia Kogi is a Kenyan content creator with over 3 years of experience. Claudia joined Sportsbrief.com as a writer in January 2022, covering sports and relatable content.