Etzebeth ready to make Sharks return — report

Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth could be back in action for the Sharks as early as this weekend, according to the franchise’s director of rugby, Neil Powell.

Etzebeth has been sidelined for four months following concussion issues as well as suffering from a few niggles.

Powell told Rapport‘s podcast that Etzebeth could be on the flight to Europe with his teammates this week when the United Rugby Championship resumes.

The competition was on a two-week break for the Europe-based Champions Cup and Chellenge Cup last-16 and quarter-final matches to take place.

Back to boost Sharks

The Sharks’ next two matches in the URC are away against Edinburgh — who have beaten the Lions and Bulls in back-to-back Challenge Cup matches of late — this Friday and Ulster the following Saturday. They then return home for matches in Durban against Ospreys and Scarlets.

The Sharks are currently in fourth place on the URC points table. They have 45 log points, five less than the Bulls in third. Leinster are top of the pile with 62 points, followed by last season’s URC champions, Glasgow Warriors, who have 54 points.

The good news though is there is a six-point gap between the Sharks and Munster, who’re fifth.

“I believe Eben will be back for the match against Edinburgh. He’s on target for that,” Powell told Rapport‘s sports podcast.

There is also talk that a few other Springbok stars could be back for the Sharks’ next match this weekend. These players include Aphelele Fassi, Lukhanyo Am and Grant Williams.

For the full story in Rapport click here.