Eben Etzebeth suffered family tragedy before captaining Springboks against All Blacks
Rugby NewsSaturday, 12 September 2026 at 20:12
Eben Etzebeth will once again go into battle against the All Blacks tonight, but one previous meeting with New Zealand came during the most heartbreaking period of his life.
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The Springboks great is renowned as one of rugby’s toughest competitors, but in July 2023 he showed remarkable courage to captain his country against their greatest rivals just days after losing his father.
Etzebeth was preparing for a huge Rugby Championship showdown with New Zealand in Auckland when he received the devastating news that his father, Harry, had died following a battle with cancer.
Etzebeth had said goodbye to his seriously ill father before travelling to New Zealand, knowing there was a strong possibility it could be the last time he saw him.
Harry died while his son was on the other side of the world.
Springbok management immediately gave Etzebeth the choice of returning to South Africa to be with his family or remaining with the squad.
He chose to stay.
Days later, Etzebeth walked out at Mount Smart Stadium and captained the Springboks against the All Blacks.
Long-time family friend Loukie Niemand later revealed that Harry would have wanted his son to take the field.
“Harry would have been angry with Eben if he withdrew,” Niemand told the Sunday Times.
The bond between father and son had also played a part in another huge moment in Etzebeth’s career.
A year earlier, his landmark 100th Springbok appearance was staged in Cape Town, allowing his cancer-stricken father to be there.
Etzebeth produced a man-of-the-match display as South Africa beat Wales 30-14, while his then-fiancée Anlia van Rensburg performed the national anthem.
Just months after Harry’s death, Etzebeth helped South Africa retain the Rugby World Cup, defeating the All Blacks 12-11 in an unforgettable final in Paris.
Tonight, Etzebeth will face New Zealand once again as the Springboks and All Blacks bring their four-Test series to a close in Baltimore.
For Etzebeth, it is a rivalry that has already provided some of the greatest triumphs — and most emotional moments — of his remarkable career.
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Highest-Paid Springboks:
10. Lood de Jager (Saitama Wild Knights) – Estimated £450,000–£600,000
After overcoming a series of injury setbacks, De Jager has re-established himself as one of the world's premier locks. His lineout expertise, experience and leadership make him a prized asset for both the Wild Knights and the Springboks.
9. Manie Libbok (Hanazono Kintetsu Liners) – Estimated £500,000–£600,000
Libbok's move to Japan significantly increased his earning power. The gifted fly-half remains one of rugby's most exciting attacking talents and is among the latest Springboks to benefit from League One's financial strength.
8. Handré Pollard (Vodacom Bulls) – Estimated £600,000–£650,000
The double Rugby World Cup-winning fly-half returned to South Africa in one of the biggest deals in the country's professional era. While he turned down the opportunity to remain overseas, his Bulls package still ranks among the richest in the URC.
7. Jesse Kriel (Yokohama Canon Eagles) – Estimated £600,000–£750,000
A consistent performer for club and country, Kriel has become one of Japan's most respected overseas stars. His versatility across the backline and leadership qualities have helped secure one of the league's most valuable contracts.
6. Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz) – Estimated £700,000–£850,000
A two-time World Rugby Player of the Year, Du Toit remains one of the sport's biggest names. His relentless work rate and world-class pedigree ensure he continues to command one of rugby's most lucrative contracts.
5. Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – Estimated £770,000
The most-capped Springbok in history remains the cornerstone of the Sharks pack. His combination of club earnings and national support keeps him among the highest-paid players in South African rugby.
4. Siya Kolisi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – Estimated £775,000
The Springbok captain returned to Durban on a bumper deal after his spell in France. Combined with his immense commercial value and sponsorship appeal, Kolisi remains one of the biggest earners in the global game.
3. Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – Estimated £800,000–£900,000
Widely regarded as the best hooker in world rugby, Marx continues to be one of Japan Rugby League One's marquee signings. His dominance at the set-piece and breakdown has made him one of the highest-paid forwards in the sport.
2. Damian de Allende (Saitama Wild Knights) – Estimated £850,000–£950,000
The powerful centre has been a standout performer in Japan for several seasons. A two-time Rugby World Cup winner and one of the world's most complete midfielders, De Allende is believed to be among the competition's top earners.
1. Faf de Klerk (Free State Cheetahs) – Previously reported at around £900,000 in Japan
Before returning to South Africa in 2026, De Klerk was widely regarded as one of the highest-paid players in world rugby thanks to his lucrative deal with Yokohama Canon Eagles. While his move back to the Cheetahs is believed to have involved a significant pay cut, his previous contract remains one of the richest ever awarded to a Springbok.
QUIZ: Can you name these retro All Blacks?
Renowned for their international dominance, the All Blacks are widely regarded as one of the most successful teams in sporting history. From legendary captains to game-changing backs and fearless forwards, generations of players have built a legacy that few can match.
With Rugby World Cup triumphs in 1987, 2011, and 2015—and as the first nation to ever retain the title—the All Blacks’ past is packed with iconic moments and unforgettable names.
Now it’s your turn: can you recognise these retro All Blacks players? Test your knowledge of the legends who shaped the black jersey.
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