Springbok troubles: When do Concussions end a Career?

One of Springboks most illustrious careers is on the verge of a premature exit. We look at how many concussions cancels a career.

Springboks Springbok World Cup Test caps Eben Etzebeth

RG Synman, Eben Etzebeth and Faf de Klerk. Image via Instagram @rgsnyman

Rugby, a test of physicality and endurance, has become synonymous with head injuries – Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth is the latest victim.

The double World Cup champion hasn’t featured since sustaining concussion against Exeter Chiefs on December 7, raising serious concerns for the 33-year-old’s career. A typical recovery time is around twenty-one days: in Etzebeth’s case, it’s been nearly three months (and counting) with no clear return date in sight.

Fuelling fears of early retirement is this being Eztebeth’s third substantial concussion, the first was against in England in 2016, and the second occured in 2019 during a Super Rugby outing.

Three strikes

New studies from the University of Oxford – that included over 15,000 participants – suggest that three (or more) concussions enter one into the threshold of irreversible long-term injuries, such as cognitive impairment and dementia.

With this being Etzebeth’s third strike, one can only presume that doctors are seriously considering whether to advise the Springboks’ most capped player to hang up his boots. Making matters worse is that the Cape Town-born star’s recovery is far from over, reportedly experiencing relapses in symptoms, such as dizziness.

Head injuries have become one of Rugby’s most talked about topics, and perhaps, in the coming years, new research may influence concussion law: in other words, a limit to how many head injuries one can sustain before having to retire.

Springbok injury update

“[Etzebeth has] suffered a return of symptoms of his recent concussion,” a Sharks spokesperson reported.

“The Sharks take this injury seriously, and player welfare remains our priority. Eben is being managed by concussion specialists. He will be cleared to return once they are satisfied his injury has completely resolved.”