Etzebeth happy to become latest Springbok to join Toulon

Rugby World Cup winning Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth recently became the latest in a string of South African to don the colours of French Top 14 outfit Toulon.

The 28-year-old signed a two-year contract with the club, and was officially unveiled on Friday.

Springbok connection at French club

He follows in the footsteps of fellow World-Cup winning Boks, such Bakkies Botha, Juan Smith and Bryan Habana, as well as teammate in the class of 2019, Duane Vermeulen, who have all turned out for Toulon.

Etzebeth said he was happy to kick off his new adventure.

“I am very happy to have arrived here. Bakkies Botha, Duane Vermeulen and Bryan Habana told me a lot about Toulon, they told me how beautiful the city was and the important club for fans,” he said.

“I am very excited to meet my team mates, to discover the club and the Top 14, which is a very strong championship. Toulon is a club that has a great history, which has been very successful and great players. I want to be part of it all. The goal for me coming here would be to qualify the club for the next Champions Cup, to win the Top 14 and the Challenge Cup. I can not wait to start my European adventure.”

Eben Etzebeth

The second coming of Bakkies

French businessman Mourad Boudjellal, president of Toulon, said he was pleased to welcome the bruising lock, who drew comparisons to Botha early in his career.

Botha spent the latter days of his career at Toulon after joining in 2011, and became a cult hero in a star-studded team, which included All Black legend, Ali Williams and Aussie ace, Matt Giteau among others.

“Eben is a player who is made to play in Toulon. It made sense that he joined the RCT, much more than any other player. I think Bakkies Botha showed the voice here and prepared the way for him. It’s up to him to dream the Toulons now. “

Mourad Boudjellal

Etzebeth is unlikely to feature in Saturday’s game against Pau, as he only begins training with his new teammates on Monday.

He will, however, be in the running for selection when they host Clermont Auvergne on Sunday, 22 December.