Eben Etzebeth – Height, Net Worth, Wife, Book & Retirement
Eben Etzebeth stands as one of the most dominant figures in modern rugby. The South African lock, known for his imposing physical presence and two Rugby World Cup titles, has built a career that few can match. This profile covers his height, weight, age, net worth, personal life, book, and the retirement rumors surrounding him in 2025 and 2026.
Born in Cape Town in October 1991, Etzebeth debuted for the Springboks in 2012 and has since become the most-capped player in South African rugby history. He currently plays for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship and remains a cornerstone of the national team.
His career includes back-to-back World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023, a European Challenge Cup title as captain, and a reputation as one of the most physically imposing locks the sport has ever seen.
How Tall Is Eben Etzebeth? Physical Stats and Measurements
2.03 m (6 ft 8 in)
120 kg (265 lbs)
33 (born 29 Oct 1991)
Sharks / Springboks
Etzebeth stands at 2.03 m, which translates to roughly 6 ft 8 in. That height places him among the tallest players in professional rugby, giving him a clear advantage in lineouts and physical confrontations.
His playing weight is listed at 120 kg. Combined with his height, that makes him one of the heaviest and most powerful locks currently active. Sources such as Boksquad and Rugby365 confirm these measurements.
He plays exclusively as a lock or second-row forward. His physical attributes have drawn comparisons to some of the biggest names in the position, including Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha, though Etzebeth has surpassed both in terms of longevity and cap numbers.
Key Insights
- Etzebeth is one of the tallest and heaviest players in professional rugby, giving him a significant physical advantage at the lineout and in the tight phases.
- He reached 50 test caps at age 24, becoming the youngest South African to achieve that milestone.
- He became the most-capped Springbok in history in 2024, surpassing Victor Matfield.
- He has won two Rugby World Cups (2019 and 2023) and captained the Sharks to a European Challenge Cup title in 2024.
- He is described by multiple sources as one of the most physically imposing players in world rugby.
- His presence on the field has been a key factor in South Africa’s era of sustained international success.
Eben Etzebeth: Fact Snapshot
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eben Etzebeth |
| Date of Birth | 29 October 1991 |
| Place of Birth | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Height | 2.03 m (6 ft 8 in) |
| Weight | 120 kg |
| Position | Lock |
| Current Club | Sharks (URC) |
| National Team | South Africa (Springboks) |
| World Cup Wins | 2 (2019, 2023) |
| Spouse | Anlia (married 2023) |
What Is Eben Etzebeth’s Net Worth and Salary in 2025?
Publicly available sources do not provide confirmed figures for Etzebeth’s net worth or salary. The research material used for this article does not include reliable financial disclosures from club or national contracts.
That said, some media estimates have placed his net worth in a range between $1.5 million and $3 million. These numbers appear to be based on his long-term contract with the Sharks, which runs through 2027, as well as endorsement opportunities tied to his status as a double World Cup winner.
No official salary figures or verified net worth statements for Eben Etzebeth have been published by the Sharks, the Springboks, or any reliable financial authority. The figures cited in some media reports remain unverified.
What is known: Etzebeth signed with the Sharks in February 2022 on a long-term deal that extends through 2027. That contract is likely the primary source of his club income. International match fees and performance bonuses from SARU would supplement that base.
How Does His Contract Compare?
Without confirmed numbers, direct comparison to other Springboks is not possible from the available information. However, as the most-capped player in South African history and a two-time World Cup winner, Etzebeth would command a premium within the domestic and international market.
Who Is Eben Etzebeth’s Wife? A Look at His Personal Life
Eben Etzebeth is married to Anlia van Rensburg, a South African actress and singer. The couple married in Franschhoek in February 2023. They have one daughter, named Elizebedi.
His late father, Harry Etzebeth, was reportedly a wrestler in Parow. Little else about his early family life is detailed in the available sources beyond these facts.
Etzebeth married Anlia van Rensburg in February 2023. The couple have one daughter. His father was the late Harry Etzebeth. These details come from the profile on Boksquad.
Does Etzebeth Have Children?
Yes. The couple have one daughter, Elizebedi, according to Boksquad. No further details about her age or other children are available from the supplied sources.
Has Eben Etzebeth Written a Book?
Etzebeth released a memoir titled Unlocked. The book is described as a rugby autobiography covering his life, career, and the 2019 Rugby World Cup incident in Langebaan, where he was later cleared of accusations.
According to a Google Books listing, the memoir was published by Hodder & Stoughton Canada in 2026. A review source on YouTube also confirms the book’s release and its coverage of the Langebaan incident.
As of mid-2026, no specific retail release date or purchasing links beyond the Google Books entry have been confirmed in the materials provided.
The book Unlocked is listed with a 2026 publication date from Hodder & Stoughton Canada. Availability in international markets may vary.
Will Eben Etzebeth Retire? Career Moves and Ban Explained
None of the supplied sources confirm that Etzebeth has retired. He continues to play for the Sharks and the Springboks as of the 2024–2025 season. However, rumors about a possible retirement from international rugby surfaced in May 2026.
Those rumors, reported by Ruck.co.uk, suggested that the double World Cup winner was considering stepping away from the Springboks. The article cited a 12-week ban handed down in December 2025 as a contributing factor.
What Was the 12-Week Ban For?
Etzebeth received a 12-week ban following a disciplinary hearing in late 2025. The specific incident and date are partially reported but not fully confirmed across all sources. Ruck.co.uk states the ban was handed down in December 2025.
Eben Etzebeth Career Timeline
- 1991: Born in Cape Town, South Africa.
- 2009: Joined the Western Province youth setup.
- 2011: Played amateur rugby for UCT Ikey Tigers.
- 2012: Senior debut for Western Province/Stormers; Springboks debut against England.
- 2015: Selected for his first Rugby World Cup squad.
- 2016: Reached 50 test caps, the youngest South African to do so.
- 2017: Named Springbok captain.
- 2019: Won the Rugby World Cup with South Africa.
- 2022: Joined the Sharks on a long-term contract.
- 2023: Won a second Rugby World Cup; married Anlia.
- 2024: Captained the Sharks to the European Challenge Cup title; became South Africa’s most-capped player.
- 2025: Continued playing for Springboks and Sharks; received a 12-week ban in December.
- 2026: Retirement rumors reported in May; no official decision announced.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Eben Etzebeth?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Etzebeth is 2.03 m tall and weighs 120 kg. | His exact net worth and salary are not publicly confirmed. |
| He plays for the Sharks and the Springboks. | His retirement decision has not been officially announced; reports suggest consideration but no final statement. |
| He won the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups. | Details of his disciplinary ban — specifically the incident date — are partially reported but not fully confirmed by all sources. |
| He received a 12-week ban in late 2025. | — |
Analysis: The Future of Eben Etzebeth
Etzebeth’s ban and his age — 33 as of late 2024 — create natural questions about his international future. The Ruck.co.uk article from May 2026 is the primary source for retirement speculation, but it may not reflect a final decision.
His continuing value to the Sharks and the Springboks suggests a potential short-term extension rather than immediate retirement. No official statement from Etzebeth, the Sharks, or SARU has been released confirming any change to his playing status.
For context, Etzebeth has been at the heart of South Africa’s most successful era, contributing directly to two World Cup titles. His physical style and leadership make him difficult to replace, which may influence both his own decision and the selectors’ willingness to keep him involved.
Key Sources and Statements About Eben Etzebeth
“Eben Etzebeth is a South African professional rugby union player who currently plays for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship.”
— Wikipedia
“The double World Cup-winning Springboks lock was handed a 12-week ban in December.”
— Ruck.co.uk
“A Stormers second-row stalwart in more than 60 Super Rugby encounters, this 2019 RWC winner has now resolved that Durban provides the perfect environment.”
— Sharks Rugby official site
These sources represent the primary references used in this profile. The Wikipedia entry provides the biographical backbone, while the Sharks site confirms his club affiliation. Ruck.co.uk supplies the most recent news regarding the ban and retirement speculation.
Eben Etzebeth: Key Takeaways
Eben Etzebeth remains an active, elite-level rugby player for the Sharks and the Springboks. At 2.03 m and 120 kg, his physical presence is matched by few. He has achieved nearly everything possible in the sport: two World Cup titles, a European Challenge Cup, and the title of most-capped Springbok in history. While 2025 brought a disciplinary setback and 2026 saw retirement rumors, no official decision has been made.
For more on elite athlete profiles, see the biography of Bradley Wiggins – Tour de France Winner and Olympic Legend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eben Etzebeth’s age?
Eben Etzebeth was born on 29 October 1991, making him 33 years old as of late 2024.
How much does Eben Etzebeth weigh?
He weighs approximately 120 kg, according to Boksquad and other sources.
What team does Eben Etzebeth play for now?
He currently plays for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship and for the South Africa national team, the Springboks.
Is Eben Etzebeth still playing for the Springboks?
As of mid-2026, he has not officially retired. Retirement rumors have been reported but no final decision has been announced.
What was Eben Etzebeth’s ban for?
He received a 12-week ban in December 2025 following a disciplinary hearing. The specific incident has been partially reported but not fully confirmed by all sources.
Does Eben Etzebeth have children?
Yes, he and his wife Anlia have one daughter named Elizebedi.
Where was Eben Etzebeth born?
He was born in Cape Town, South Africa.
How many Rugby World Cups has Etzebeth won?
He has won two: in 2019 and 2023, both with South Africa.
What is the title of Etzebeth’s book?
His memoir is titled Unlocked, published by Hodder & Stoughton Canada in 2026.
What position does Eben Etzebeth play?
He plays as a lock, also referred to as second-row forward.
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