Eben Etzebeth reveals the ‘biggest motivation’ to stay on top of his game for as ‘long as possible’
Eben Etzebeth reveals his biggest motivation to keep performing at the highest level.
Eben Etzebeth has revealed his biggest motivation as the veteran Springboks’ lock enters the twilight stages of his career.
At 33 years old, Etzebeth has won back-to-back Rugby World Cups with the Springboks, two Rugby Championship titles and a British and Irish Lions series.
In 2024, he also surpassed Victor Matfield’s record to become the most capped Springbok of all-time, ending the year with 131 caps in total.
Still, he shows no sign of slowing down with his efforts on the international stage earning him a nomination for the World Rugby Player of the Year award, which he was pipped to by his fellow teammate Pieter-Steph du Toit.
How Etzebeth stays on top of his game
So the question remains, having won just about everything there is to win at the highest level, how does Etzebeth continue to push the boundaries to perform at such a high standard and remain one of the first names on Rassie Erasmus’ teamsheet?
The second rower has provided a rather straightforward answer to that question in a recent appearance on the Times’ Ruck Rugby podcast.
“The Springboks mean a lot to me and so it does for so many other players,” he explained.
“Every year you want to be on top of your game to be in that squad and force your way into the starting XV. So that’s always been my biggest motivation to be part of the team and to be selected and not let a young guy come through to take your position.”
A pretty simple answer considering that so many South African kids dream about donning the Green and Gold jersey and Etzebeth has lived that dream more than any other player in Springboks history.
However, the drive to feature in another World Cup, which would be his fourth, is very much part of his thinking, as well as South Africa’s chase for an unprecedented three-peat.
What motivates him
There is also the matter of being successful at club level with Etzebeth’s trophy cabinet rather empty for a player of his calibre, boasting just one Currie Cup and one Challenge Cup title.
“So that’s always a challenge and that definitely motivates me,” he continued.
“Obviously, Rugby World Cup 2027 is at the back of everyone’s mind but going into 2025 at club level, I don’t think I’ve been that successful at club level and won too many trophies so I’d love to be more successful with the Sharks, whether that’s in Europe or the URC.
“That’s the motivation but also personally stay on top of my game for as long as possible and not get thrown out of the system because you are not good enough anymore but rather just keep on performing and being part of the plans.”
Most recently, Etzebeth has garnered praise for his knowledge and execution of the rugby lawbook, as well as his never-ending improvements despite nearing his mid-30s.
Asked whether he puts his analytical hat on when other Test matches are on and take notes for what other international players are up to, Etzebeth explained that he assesses himself first.
“I try to look at my game first and see where I can improve,” he said.
“When I look at the Six Nations, I completely look at it as a fan like everyone does and just try to enjoy the game. The analysis will come when we play them.
“I always try to upskill myself and be a bit different and if there is a new trend or I see someone who is good at something, maybe dig a bit deeper and see why they are good at that. ”
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