Eben Etzebeth is close to a Sharks move. Image: News365
Sharks CEO explains possible stumbling block in proposed Eben Etzebeth signing
Sharks CEO Ed Coetzee has confirmed their pursuit of Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth from French club Toulon.
Eben Etzebeth is close to a Sharks move. Image: News365
Sharks CEO Ed Coetzee has confirmed their pursuit of Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth from French club Toulon.
The Sharks were initially aiming to sign Etzebeth at the end of his Toulon contract in June, but the player has since received an early release from his deal.
Etzebeth joined Toulon as a high profile signing
Etzebeth, who joined Toulon as a marquee signing from the Stormers after a triumphant 2019 Rugby World Cup with the Springboks, now only has his sights on a return home. The man mountain is believed to be seeking a return to South Africa, due to family reasons and the Sharks have already begun talks with his representatives over a move to Durban. It is believed that those talks are at an advanced stage, however, Coetzee has warned that it is far from a straightforward move.
Coetzee explains possible stumbling block
“His (Etzebeth) stuff is still a little complicated, We are looking at lock. We (Sharks) would love to get him, but he is on a big contract so he’ll have to get out of his contract and be prepared to take a substantial salary cut. Jeepers, his salary at Toulon is almost a third of the salary cap in SA,” said Coetzee according to TimesLIVE
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Coetzee confirmed that they were hoping to get a bit of help from Toulon, and grant Etzebeth an early release from his mammoth contract at the club. That is a reprieve that they got, with the French club announcing just that on Sunday. Coetzee explains when the Sharks started considering the pursuit of the player.
When Sharks started showing interest
“I think it happened when their president shot his mouth off and I think that rubbed Eben up the wrong way.” He confirmed
In early January, Toulon president Bernard Lemaître called the lock a handicap, suggesting he is expensive, regularly injured and often on international duty. Those sentiments seemed to seal the deal for Etzebeth, with the Sharks wasting no time in trying to capitalise. It now looks as if his move to Durban is edging closer.
