"Specialist advice" - Eben Etzebeth stood down with immediate effect

Monday, 06 July 2026 at 14:03

byRugby Rucker

Springbok boss Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that Eben Etzebeth will not be considered for the upcoming matches against Scotland and Wales after receiving specialist advice over his latest concussion.

Etzebeth was ruled out of South Africa’s Nations Championship opener against England after suffering a head knock, with the Springboks taking an extremely cautious approach due to the experienced lock’s concussion history.

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After consulting a specialist, the decision has been made to give the 34-year-old an extended period of recovery rather than rushing him back into action.

“Eben needs some proper time off because of concussion, and he has a history of concussion, so I don’t think Eben will play in these incoming matches,” Erasmus said.

The towering lock could return for the one-off clash with Argentina on 8 August, although that remains far from guaranteed.

Franco Mostert is also expected to remain unavailable until around the same time, leaving the Springboks short of several experienced forwards.

There was better news regarding Lood de Jager, who could return against Wales in Durban next weekend.

“Lood de Jager might be ready next week for the Wales game in Durban — he is closer than the others,” Erasmus added.

“Ox Nche, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Morne van den Berg should all be ready about three weeks before New Zealand arrive [for the Greatest Rivalry Tour]. Siya Kolisi will also be ready next week in Durban.”

Kolisi’s expected return will provide a major boost for the Springboks after the captain was forced to withdraw from the England clash with a hamstring problem.

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HIGHEST-PAID SPRINGBOKS

6 Damian de Allende (£460,000 – Panasonic Wild Knights, Japan)

A model of consistency in the Springbok midfield, Damian de Allende has been well rewarded since moving to Japan. Comfortable at centre and occasionally on the wing, his powerful running and defensive reliability make him a key asset wherever he plays.

De Allende was part of South Africa’s historic World Cup triumphs in both 2019 and 2023, placing him among the elite group of players to have lifted the trophy twice. His contract with Panasonic Wild Knights reflects both his experience at the highest level and his enduring value to the Springbok setup.

5 Handré Pollard (600,000 – Vodacom Bulls, South Africa)

Still regarded as one of the world’s premier fly-halves, Handré Pollard commands a salary befitting his reputation. Although he accepted a pay cut during his time at Leicester Tigers, he remained among rugby’s top earners before returning to South Africa to play for the Bulls.

Pollard famously started in the 2019 World Cup final victory, where he also featured at inside centre, underlining his tactical importance to the Springboks. With spells in Japan, France, England and South Africa, he is one of a select group of players to have won multiple Rugby World Cups.

4 Eben Etzebeth (£770,000 – Hollywoodbets Sharks, South Africa)

South Africa’s towering lock and one of the most feared forwards in world rugby, Eben Etzebeth earns a reported annual salary of around R18 million (roughly £770,000) with the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship. This places him among the top-paid players in South African domestic rugby, reflecting his value as a dominant second-row presence and cornerstone of the Sharks pack.

Having previously starred for the Stormers, had a lucrative stint with Toulon, and now anchoring Durban’s engine room, Etzebeth combines raw physicality with experience and consistency. A two-time Rugby World Cup winner and South Africa’s most capped player, his influence extends beyond mere salary figures — his role in the Springboks’ forward dominance is pivotal.

Etzebeth’s earnings illustrate both his on-field impact and the financial realities of South African rugby: lower relative to some overseas contracts, but still significant within the domestic game.

3 Siya Kolisi (£775,000 – Hollywoodbets Sharks, South Africa)

South Africa’s inspirational captain and two-time World Cup winner, Siya Kolisi combines leadership, influence and star appeal, earning around £775,000 per year with the Sharks. Having previously represented the Stormers and Racing 92, Kolisi now anchors Durban’s franchise as a dynamic flanker and loose forward.

Appointed Springbok captain in 2018, he became the first black player to hold the role, later leading South Africa to World Cup glory in both 2019 and 2023. His salary reflects not only his on-field impact but his significance to South African rugby as a whole.

2 Faf de Klerk (£900,000 – Yokohama Canon Eagles, Japan)

Renowned for his fiery competitiveness and tireless work rate, Faf de Klerk continues to capitalise on his global popularity in Japan. The Springbok scrum-half earns close to £900,000 with Yokohama Canon Eagles, making him one of the highest-paid players in League One.

A key figure in South Africa’s World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023, de Klerk remains in demand, with rumours linking him to a return to Sale Sharks. However, salary cap restrictions could prevent him from matching his current earnings.

1 Cheslin Kolbe (£930,000 – Tokyo Sungoliath, Japan)

At the top of the list is Cheslin Kolbe, whose breathtaking footwork and match-winning flair have made him the highest-paid player in Japan Rugby League One. Earning an estimated £930,000 with Tokyo Sungoliath, Kolbe has redefined attacking rugby with his ability to influence games from wing, fullback and even fly-half.

A two-time World Cup winner with South Africa, he has also enjoyed success across club rugby in France and South Africa, collecting domestic and European honours along the way. Widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation, Kolbe’s salary places him among the highest earners in world rugby.

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