Latest news with #Etzebeth
TimesLIVE
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Springboks' Eben Etzebeth to publish book about his life journey
Springbok star Eben Etzebeth says he will publish his debut book, Unlocked, which tells the story of his life. Etzebeth shared the book cover on Instagram. 'I'm proud to announce that I wrote a book. My story, from growing up in Goodwood to my aspirations, challenges I faced and what it took to wear the green and gold,' he said. 'Thank you to everyone who has supported me, this one is for you.' The 34-year-old lock joins a long list of Springbok stars who have written books, including captain Siya Kolisi and coach Rassie Erasmus. The book will be available online and in major bookshops, said Etzebeth. 'You can pre-order it online from Takealot, Exclusive Books, Wordsworth, Readers Warehouse, Loot and major bookshops. It is also available in the UK — feel free to look at Amazon UK, Waterstones and more.'
IOL News
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Eben Etzebeth 'Unlocked': discover the untold story of rugby's giant in his debut autobiography
'Unlocked' tells Eben Etzebeth's story - from his upbringing in Goodwood to his aspirations, the challenges he's overcome and what it truly took to wear the green and gold. Image: Supplied South African rugby titan Eben Etzebeth has released his much-anticipated debut autobiography, 'Unlocked', offering fans a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the life, challenges and triumphs of the most-capped Springboks in history. Feared by opponents and revered by teammates, Etzebeth has long been known for his physical dominance on the pitch - a towering lock with unrelenting energy, intelligence and aggression. Now, in 'Unlocked', he turns the spotlight inward, reflecting on the highs and lows of his life and career, and how a determined boy from Goodwood became one of the most iconic figures in world rugby. 'Over the past few months, I've taken time to reflect on my journey - the highs, the lows, the lessons, the people and the moments that shaped me,' he shared on Instagram. ''Unlocked' tells my story, from growing up in Goodwood to my aspirations, the challenges I've faced and what it really took to wear the green and gold. Thank you to everyone who's supported me - this one is for you.' Etzebeth has been a pillar in the Springboks setup during one of the most successful eras in South African rugby, helping lead the team to back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories and maintaining their spot at the top of the global rankings. His story is one of grit, discipline and unwavering focus - themes that pulse through the pages of his book. From battling adversity in his early years to the intense inner workings of the Bok squad, 'Unlocked" promises readers a deeply personal journey. Etzebeth's story is also part of a broader initiative to inspire young South Africans. 'Unlocked' tells Eben Etzebeth's story - from his upbringing in Goodwood to his aspirations, the challenges he's overcome and what it truly took to wear the green and gold. Image: Supplied Recently, a special youth-focused book series was released, featuring Etzebeth alongside Springboks greats Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Faf de Klerk, Cheslin Kolbe and Handré Pollard. These short, accessible books aim to spark ambition among young readers, especially those from tough backgrounds. Told in simple language and rich with inspirational anecdotes, the books reveal the human side of these sporting icons. Readers learn how Kolisi once went to bed hungry in a shack in Zwide, terrified at a new school because he couldn't speak English, and how he rose above it all. They show how coach Rassie Erasmus became more than a tactician - a father figure and mentor who guided these men through moments of global triumph and personal challenge. Etzebeth's own story echoes similar themes. As a child, he had posters of rugby legends like Bob Skinstad and Jonah Lomu on his bedroom wall. At primary school, he played wing and dreamed big. On his bedroom door, a handwritten list of goals included one that would shape his destiny: play for the Springboks. In his final year of primary school, he was victorious at his sports day, excelling in sprint events and high jump. But his path was far from easy. At the start of high school, he was considered too small to make the A team. Determined to change that, he hit the gym, scarfed down eggs and tuna for protein, and pushed himself harder than anyone else. By matric, he was a 120kg force of nature - no longer a backline player but a dominant lock whose transformation stunned even his childhood coaches. Unlike many of his peers, Etzebeth never succumbed to distractions. He stayed laser-focused on his goals and chased them with relentless discipline. Now, with 'Unlocked', Etzebeth adds 'author' to his long list of accolades - and opens a new chapter, not just in his own life, but in the rich legacy of South African sport. ∎ 'Unlocked' is now available at major bookstores and leading retailers.
The Citizen
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘Unlocked': Rugby star Eben Etzebeth launches first book
The book promises an intimate look into Etzebeth's life. Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth has announced the release of his debut book, Unlocked. The book tells the story of Etzebeth's life, from growing up in Goodwood in the Western Cape to his rise in rugby. In a recent Instagram post, Etzebeth shared that the book will be available in October this year. 'Over the past few months, I've taken time to reflect on my journey — the highs, the lows, the lessons, the people, and the moments that have shaped me on and off the field,' he wrote. The book also explores Etzebeth's challenges, aspirations, and what it truly took to wear the green and gold jersey. He described the book as a tribute to those who have supported him throughout his career. 'Unlocked tells my story — from growing up in Goodwood to my aspirations, the challenges I've faced, and what it really took to wear the green and gold. Thank you to everyone who's supported me — this one is for you,' he added. ALSO READ: Six decades of Porsche at Kyalami celebrated with new book The book is available for pre-order While not yet on shelves, Etzebeth said the book is available for pre-order through Takealot, Exclusive Books, Wordsworth, Loot, Readers Warehouse, and other major South African retailers. 'It is also available internationally through Amazon UK, Waterstones, and other outlets.' NOW READ: 'End of an era': Shalate Sekhabi exits House of Zwide
IOL News
21-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Eben Etzebeth not done yet: Springboks' enforcer still burning to wear No 4
Still standing tall: Eben Etzebeth is determined to keep his place in the Bok engine room despite rising pressure from younger rivals. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix The bad news for the Springboks' chief rivals is that Eben Etzebeth's competitive fire burns brighter than ever — and he is determined to hang onto his iconic No 4 jersey for as long as possible. With the Rugby Championship just a month away, the towering lock has issued a timely warning: he feels fresh, fit, and hungry. 'I want to wear that No 4 jersey in the green and gold as many times as possible,' the 133-Test veteran told Rapport. 'The competitive spirit is still strong in me — I'm not giving up my place. I want to be in the team for as long as possible.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Most players of Etzebeth's vintage would be tempted toward the pipe and slippers after a career's worth of bruising battles, but the 33-year-old insists he's far from done. 'I'm not thinking about playing until a certain year — I'm just going to keep pushing. The key is staying fit and avoiding injury, because recovery is harder as you get older. 'The curtain falls for everyone. It came early for Steven Kitshoff, but that was due to injury — it could have happened when he was 24.' Etzebeth admits he keeps a close eye on the younger crop coming through, and while he mentors them, their rise fuels his own fire. 'Every year the younger guys are just bigger, better, and faster,' he said. 'Players like Salmaan Moerat and Ruan Nortje are already world-class. They push me to improve — and that's the way it should be.' This year, Etzebeth has battled concussion issues and barely featured for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship. Yet the enforced lay-off may have been a blessing in disguise. 'I haven't played a lot this year. The body feels good. I feel fresh. I'm ready to get a good couple of games under the belt and perform. 'I struggled with concussions, which kept me out for a few months. It wasn't great for me or the Sharks, but in hindsight, the body was able to rest up a bit. 'When there is an injury, I always try to see the positive in it. You get time away from rugby and spend time with your family, which is always good. 'I played four games this year for the Sharks, so that's not a lot. I played just over 40 minutes against Italy in the first Test (and against Georgia). That's not a lot of match minutes for the year so far, so I feel good.' Etzebeth is part of a core group of Springboks on the wrong side of 30 and under growing scrutiny as the build-up to the 2027 World Cup in Australia begins. Names like Siya Kolisi, Franco Mostert, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Bongi Mbonambi, and Faf de Klerk all face similar questions. But for Etzebeth, the approach is simple: take it one season at a time. 'I don't think the guys are setting goals for themselves to make it this year or that year. We're going year by year, trying to keep performing and be a part of the Bok set-up. 'I try to keep pushing myself and not fall behind when it comes to fitness or running. I try to stay as fit as possible. 'The challenging thing is to keep your body injury-free because when you get older, the recovery is a bit harder — but we're trying hard to keep being in the mix.'
The Citizen
22-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Springbok fire still burns fiercely for Eben Etzebeth: ‘My ultimate drive'
The second row two-time World Cup winner is as motivated as ever to run out for the Springboks. Springbok enforcer Eben Etzebeth has won almost everything possible in rugby, and is set to go down as one of the greatest players in Springbok and international history. The 33-year-old's major achievements include two World Cups, two Rugby Championships, two South African player of the year awards, British & Irish Lions series winner, while he is also a three time World Rugby player of the year nominee. He has captained the Springboks on a number of occasions, and last year became the most capped Springbok player of all time, passing fellow lock legend Victor Matfield's record of 127 caps, with him now sitting on 131. 'Ultimate goal' Heading into another big international season Etzebeth said that the fire to put on the green and gold still burned brightly for him, and that he was looking forward to another strong season. 'For me, it's putting on the jersey one more time. I think that's the ultimate goal. That's my ultimate drive in rugby. I think the day the Bok jersey is not there anymore, and I can't play for it, it will be a very sad day for me personally,' said Etzebeth. 'So that motivates me. When I'm injured, when I have setbacks, to come back thinking that I might have an opportunity to represent South Africa. To run out at a full Loftus or Cape Town Stadium or wherever in South Africa, that's the ultimate feeling, the ultimate drive. 'It's amazing to go out there in front of 50,000 people, they're all cheering for the Boks, they're all wanting us to unite the country. You don't need much more motivation than that.' Another World Cup victory A possible, unprecedented third straight Rugby World Cup title in Australia is a big carrot that Etzebeth can't deny, and keeping the Boks at the top of the world rankings is a big goal of his over the coming years. 'To be part of Rassie's group, that's it. It's a little bit different from when they (the coaching team) arrived in 2018. It's special, but I think they want to make it even more special, and to take the group even higher,' said Etzebeth. 'I would like to be a part of that. Yes, there will be another World Cup in a couple of years. It will be incredible, but we all know how difficult it will be. I think everyone who has always wanted it, will come for it. 'We know that we are not the only team with a chance and teams learn fast. That means we won't be able to do what we did last year. We will have to get better, we will have to be stronger. 'Because if you just stay the same, you won't stay at the top. I think that's our challenge. It's also a challenge for me to be a part of the group that keeps getting better and keeps trying to stay number one.'
