Bok lock Eben Etzebeth has proven to be a costly signing for the Sharks.
Etzebeth will be unavailable for 12 weeks after receiving a suspension for eye-gouging Wales flank Alex Mann – the latest disruption in a Sharks stint already hampered by injuries and Springbok commitments.
Since joining from Toulon in July 2022, Etzebeth has played just 31 matches for the Durban-based side out of a possible 82 across Vodacom URC and EPCR competitions (38%) logging 2,123 minutes in total – an average of 68 minutes per appearance.
His latest ban rules him out of four Investec Champions Cup clashes and eight URC fixtures, further reducing his on-field contribution in a crucial stretch of the season.
With Etzebeth reportedly earning R15-million a year at the Sharks, his four-year stint (up until the end of this season) will total R60-million (he is contracted until 2027).
Cost breakdown:
Cost per minute: R28,262
Cost per 80-minute match: R2,260,981
A world-class player when available, Etzebeth’s influence has never been in doubt – but the numbers show just how expensive his signing has been for the Sharks.
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Matches Etzebeth will miss due to ban:
Investec Champions Cup
7 December: Toulouse vs Sharks
13 December: Sharks vs Saracens
10 January: Sale vs Sharks
17 January: Sharks vs Clermont
Vodacom URC
20 December: Sharks vs Bulls
3 January: Lions vs Sharks
24 January: Stormers vs Sharks
31 January: Sharks vs Stormers
21 February: Sharks vs Lions
28 February: Bulls vs Sharks
21 March: Sharks vs Munster
27 March: Sharks vs Cardiff
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
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