Sharks coach John Plumtree says Eben Etzebeth is “devastated” and “very remorseful” after copping a 12-week suspension for eye-gouging.
Speaking from France ahead of the Sharks’ Investec Champions Cup opener against Toulouse on Sunday, Plumtree did not sugar-coat the impact of the ban on the Sharks.
“He’s very remorseful. Obviously, he knows what an impact it can have on a club like ours.”
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The 12-week ban runs through a critical period for the Sharks, ruling the world-class lock out of both Investec Champions Cup and Vodacom URC fixtures deep into March.
“It’s not ideal, is it?” added Plumtree, who will step down as head coach after the Toulouse encounter. “Eben’s devastated. It’s a big blow for us. He’s one of our star players – a huge part of our tight five and our leadership – so it’s not ideal at all.”
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Etzebeth’s absence forces an immediate rethink of the Sharks’ engine room, particularly with injuries already thinning the lock stocks.
Plumtree confirmed the loss is both tactical and emotional, given the Springbok veteran’s influence on and off the field.
“At least now we know what the ban is, and we can plan forward. We’ve got a couple of injured players like Corne Rahl – who’ll hopefully be available by the end of December. And of course we’ve got Jason Jenkins, Emile van Heerden, Marvin Orie … if we can get four or five locks ready by Christmas, that’ll be great.”
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Plumtree also clarified reports that the Sharks had “deregistered” Etzebeth.
“You’re only allowed to register 42 players for the Champions Cup,” he explained. “We had to deregister him because of the length of the ban. When he becomes available, we’ll re-register him. It’s just an admin thing, really.”
Despite the suspension, Etzebeth will remain integrated with the squad behind the scenes.
“He’ll come in and do some coaching with our juniors, and help some of our seniors too,” Plumtree said. “He needs to be around. He’ll take a break with his young family, but we’ll also give him tasks that will help the group.”
Matches Etzebeth will miss:
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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