Sharks player Eben Etzebeth has returned to action on the pitch after several months off due to a concussion injury. In true “Elizabedi” style, his appearance was marked with a clash -this time with Scottish player Sam Skinner – that saw him being given a yellow card.
The towering player was named the captain in the side that beat Edinburgh 18-17 over the weekend.
EBEN ETZEBETH RETURNS TO PITCH WITH YELLOW CARD
During the Sharks’ game against Edinburgh, and in several clips posted on social media, Eben Etzebeth was seen in a scuffle with opponent Sam Skinner.
The player fondly known as “Elizabedi” grabbed the younger player’s shirt before tossing him to the ground. The players then continued their squabble, which turned into a full-blown brawl between both sides.
The move caught the attention of referee Andrew Brace, who named both Etzebeth and Skinner as “instigators.” They were given the yellow card and a stint in the “sin bin” timeout.
Speaking to Eben Etzebeth and San Skinner, the ref said of the altercation: “What’s just happened there is completely unacceptable. I spoke to you in the first half that the next two players getting involved go to the bin”.
BUILT TO BRAWL?
Eben Etzbeth’s fight was not the only physical clash of the evening against Edinburgh.
A few minutes earlier, fellow Sharks star Bongi Mbonambi and South African-born player Pierre Schoeman, who plays for Scotland under residency, came to blows.
In a clip, Schoeman – a former Bulls player – is seen pushing Mbonambi, who pushes back before another squabble kicks off.
After the final whistle blew, tensions continued to run high between the rival clubs.
‘GREAT TO BE BACK’
Speaking after the game, Eben Etzebeth said of his return: “It’s great, it’s been a long time. It’s nice to get back out on the field. I’ve been on the training pitch with the guys for the last couple of weeks.
He continued: “Finally getting a chance again, I was excited to play. We all know it’s the business end of the season, so games are becoming more and more important.”
Late last year, Eben Etzebeth was placed on “rest” following a tough Springbok test series in November. After returning to the Sharks, he sustained a concussion during a game against English club Exeter. Etzebeth was also nursing a back injury.
According to World Rugby, players who suffer concussions must adhere to a minimum rest period of 21 days, which may involve an individualised rehabilitation programme. The player may only return to their duties once a medical practitioner clears them.
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