The Rise and Controversies of Rugby Star Eben Etzebeth: What You Need to Know
Introduction:
Eben Etzebeth is a South African rugby player widely regarded for his physicality and athleticism on the field. The towering 6-foot-8 lock forward has managed to make a mark on the sport both domestically and internationally with his impressive performances. However, the rugby star’s rise to fame has also been mired in controversies ranging from assault allegations to racial tensions. In this blog post, we will explore the rise of Eben Etzebeth, unravel the controversies surrounding his career, and attempt to shed light on the man behind the rugby facade.
The Early Years and Career:
Eben Etzebeth was born on October 29, 1991, in Cape Town, South Africa. He comes from a family of rugby enthusiasts, and his father played the sport as well. Eben’s love for rugby started at an early age, and he played the sport all through his school years. He attended the high school Hoerskool Jan van Riebeeck, where he made a name for himself as a dominant player.
In 2012, Eben Etzebeth made his professional debut for the Western Province, representing the province in the Currie Cup. The following year, he signed for the Stormers, a team that competes in the Super Rugby competition. He went on to establish himself as one of the best locks in the competition, consistently dominating opposition teams with his physique and athleticism.
The Assault Allegations:
In August 2019, just before the start of the Rugby World Cup, Eben Etzebeth found himself at the center of a controversy involving assault allegations. He was accused of physically assaulting a man outside a bar in the town of Langebaan, South Africa. The allegations shook the South African rugby community, with many calling for the case to be investigated thoroughly.
Etzebeth denied the allegations, and the case went to trial in December of the same year. The South African Human Rights Commission acted against the player, and the case was heard at a disciplinary hearing later in 2020. Ultimately, the case was dismissed due to the lack of evidence.
The Racial Tensions:
Eben Etzebeth found himself in the midst of another controversy in 2019 when allegations emerged that he had made racist comments towards a patron at a restaurant. The player denied the allegations, but the case garnered widespread attention, not only in South Africa but internationally too.
The case was taken to the Human Rights Commission, where it was established that there was a case to answer. The commission went on to make recommendations towards ending instances of racism in South African sport.
The Rugby World Cup 2019:
Despite the controversies surrounding his career, Eben Etzebeth was part of the South African team that went on to win the Rugby World Cup in 2019. The team put on an excellent display throughout the tournament, and Etzebeth played a key role in the team’s victories.
His performances on the field earned him a nomination for the World Rugby Player of the Year award, with many feeling that he was snubbed by the judges. Nonetheless, Eben Etzebeth had a successful World Cup campaign, cementing his status as one of the best locks in the sport.
The Move to France:
In 2020, Eben Etzebeth signed for French club Toulon, marking a new chapter in his career. He has since proven to be a vital asset for the French club, with fans eagerly anticipating his performances on the field.
His move to France came with some controversy, as it emerged that he would not be available for national duty, instead opting to focus on his club career. The move sparked a debate in South Africa, with some fans calling for the player to put country first.
FAQs:
Q1) What is Eben Etzebeth’s height?
Ans: Eben Etzebeth is 6-foot-8, making him one of the tallest rugby players in the world.
Q2) What team did Eben Etzebeth play for in the Super Rugby competition?
Ans: Eben Etzebeth played for the Stormers in the Super Rugby competition.
Q3) What allegations were made against Eben Etzebeth in 2019?
Ans: Eben Etzebeth was accused of physically assaulting a man and making racist comments towards a patron at a restaurant.
Q4) Was Eben Etzebeth part of the South African team that won the Rugby World Cup in 2019?
Ans: Yes, Eben Etzebeth played a key role in the South African team that won the Rugby World Cup in 2019.
Q5) When did Eben Etzebeth sign for French club Toulon?
Ans: Eben Etzebeth signed for Toulon in 2020.
Q6) Why was Eben Etzebeth’s move to France controversial?
Ans: Eben Etzebeth’s move to France meant that he would not be available for national duty, sparking a debate about his priorities.
Q7) Was the assault allegations case against Eben Etzebeth dismissed?
Ans: Yes, the case against Eben Etzebeth was dismissed due to the lack of evidence.
Conclusion:
Eben Etzebeth’s rugby career has been marked by a series of controversies, ranging from assault allegations to racial tensions. However, his performances on the field have been nothing short of excellent, establishing him as one of the best locks in the sport. The controversies surrounding his career, while significant, cannot diminish the contribution he has made to the sport. Whether he will be able to overcome the negative press and continue to grow as a player remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure, Eben Etzebeth’s story is far from over.