Etienne Oosthuizen is relishing his Lions stint having recovered from a potentially career-ending heart condition.
Diagnosed with myocarditis while playing for French club Lyon in 2020, the towering lock was advised to step away from the game and returned to South Africa, where he worked as a real estate agent in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal.
“I had made peace with the fact that my playing days were over, but deep down I still hoped there was a chance,” Oosthuizen told Netwerk24 this week. “I realised I’d never know if I didn’t at least explore whether there was a way back.”
The 32-year-old, who joined the Lions in 2023, said being cleared to play again was an emotional turning point.
“I quite enjoyed being a real estate agent, but I’ll be honest, I missed rugby. When I got the green light, I grabbed it with both hands.”
ALSO: Cash hails Lions’ fight after Cape Town thriller
That clearance came from renowned cardiologist Dr Wouter Basson, backed by a second opinion from a specialist in Ballito.
“Because it was heart-related, I didn’t train at all for two years,” Oosthuizen explained. “Dr Wouter told me to start slowly and let my body adapt again, and then see what opportunities were out there.”
Read SA Rugby’s digi-mag for FREE!
Raised in Rustenburg, Oosthuizen began his professional career with the Lions, spent a season at the Brumbies under Jake White, played for the Sharks, and later continued his journey in France.
“Ever since I was little, it’s been my dream to play rugby, so getting a second chance is incredible,” he said. “What happened to me shows how quickly a career can end. You have to prepare for life after rugby.”
The post Lions lock savours second chance appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.