Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth will not head abroad after this year’s Rugby World Cup, the Western Province Rugby Union has assured.
Reports in French media stated late last year that Etzebeth could join Toulon after the conclusion of this year’s World Cup.
However, Etzebeth is contracted to WP until 2016, which would see him stay in Cape Town until then.
“If you want to win the Super Rugby competition, then you need depth,” said a pleased WP CEO Gert Smal.
Etzebeth, 23, has played 33 Tests for the Springboks since making his debut against England in Durban in 2012.
Promising Stormers lock Jean Kleyn has extended his contract with the Western Province Rugby Union by a further 2 years.
The 21-year-old player’s agent, Hilton Houghton, confirmed the news.
Considering the exodus of players overseas, it is welcome news for WP Rugby CEO Gert Smal.
“Jean has grown a lot as a player in the last year. It’s also nice to see a player rise to prominence from within our own structures,” said Smal.
The 2.02m lock made his Super Rugby debut last year and also impressed for Western Province in their victorious Currie Cup campaign.
Sport24