RUGBY NEWS - Springbok coach Allister Coetzee has confirmed that Eben Etzebeth will retain the captaincy of the national side on the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour to the Northern Hemisphere in November and December.
Etzebeth will again lead the side in the continued injury absence of No 8 Warren Whiteley, who has been ruled out of the tour to Ireland, France, Italy and Wales and is expected to be out of action for two more months as a result of his groin injury.
The No 4 lock took over the leadership duties at the end of June when Whiteley was forced to withdraw on the eve of the third test against France in Johannesburg. Etzebeth has subsequently led the Springboks in all six Castle Lager Rugby Championship test matches.
Coetzee said Etzebeth has been impressive in the new leadership role so far this season: “Eben has really taken to his role as captain of the Springboks and it makes sense to retain him. I know he is well respected by talking to opposition coaches and referees, and he enjoys the respect of his peers.”
