Eben Etzebeth has received well-wishes from around the world from rugby fans following his historic 128th Springbok test appearance over the weekend – but nothing beats the sweet message posted by his mother.
The 32-year-old has officially become the most-capped player in the team’s history, beating the likes of Victor Matfield and Bryan Habana.
Eben was among the squad that beat Argentina 48-7 at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, winning the Rugby Championship title.
EBEN ETZEBETH GETS SWEET MESSAGE FROM HIS MOM
Ahead of the game against Argentina at the weekend, Eben Etzebeth was given a warm welcome onto the pitch.
Joined by his wife Anlia and their baby girl, the towering lock was introduced by a Zulu Impi, and his name and the number “128” were set alight by fireworks.
The emotional player was later seen crying during the performance of the national anthem, no doubt tears of joy.
Later, his mother Karen and brother Ryen joined them on the pitch to wave at the crowd.
On Facebook, Eben’s family has posted sweet messages praising the player.
His mother, Karen Etzebeth, shared: “What a great day for us! So incredibly proud of you, words cannot describe it!
“Well done, my boykie!”
Watter groot dag vir ons!! Soo geweldig trots op jou, woorde kan dit nie beskryf nie! Well done my Boykie! 🙏🙏
Posted by Karen Etzebeth on Saturday 28 September 2024
Eben’s cousin Emile posted: “You make the family…. very proud! Thank you for who you are and what you have done for us. 128 NOT OUT!
Eben’s father, Harry Etzebeth, a seasoned wrestler, died in July 2023. Since then, he revealed that he dedicates every match to his late father, who was one of his biggest supporters.
In an emotional advert released just weeks before last year’s Rugby World Cup, fellow Springbok Makazole Mapimpi – who tragically lost his own family at a young age – revealed that the team was also playing for Eben’s dad, who had recently died.
‘I’LL KEEP PUSHING’
Meanwhile, Eben Etzebeth revealed that he will continue to play for the Springboks as long as his body allows.
The lock said following his match appearance: “I’ve made no secret that the reason I play this game is to play for this team, to perform for my club, and to be selected for the national side – that’s the ultimate.
“So, I’ll keep pushing, training hard, and performing for my club, and hopefully, the coaches will keep on selecting me.
“I never like to share my goals with the public – I like to keep it close to my heart – and I’ll still push on if the body’s good to go.”