As South African rugby fans are gearing themselves up for the start of the international rugby season, Springbok lock, Eben Etzebeth has now taken extra measures to ensure that he is in tip-top condition to represent the country in the green and gold.
The last few months have been a difficult period for the double World Cup winner. This comes after he has had to sit for several weeks on the sidelines due to continuous concussions.
While it may have been a while since he has represented the Durban-based franchise the Hollywoodbets Sharks, this has not stopped Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus from including him in the national team’s alignment camp ahead of this year’s international season which includes a tour to New Zealand, as well as playing games against European rivals Ireland and France later this year.
Despite still being out of action, “Elizabedi” as he is now affectionately known has taken it upon himself to be fit and ready for when he does get the green light from medical staff by renovating his home garage into a fully equipped gym.
Taking to Instagram he shared some of the upgrades with his online followers.
Videos of the transformation show the gym equipped with a squat machine, pull-up bar, bench, punch bag, watt bike as well as numerous dumbbell weights.
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Taking to the comments many of his former as well as current teammates shared their thoughts.
“Levels…Now your guns (muscles) will turn into AK47’s,” wrote retired Springbok Juan de Jongh.
Also, in the comments was none other than Rachel Kolisi, who has also been embracing the fitness lifestyle in recent months, “Flip this is so cool!” she added.
While Eben was expected to return to action in March Sharks coach John Plumtree noted that a setback at the Springbok camp had delayed matters.
“Eben strained a hamstring in a running block during the Springbok alignment camp in Cape Town. That set him back a couple of weeks, but from a concussion point of view, he’s in a good place now”.
Also see: Anlia and baby excited as Eben Etzebeth named SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year
