Sharks issue 15-word Eben Etzebeth statement as several Boks left out

Eben Etzebeth has been left out of the Sharks' 28-man touring squad for their three-match trip to Europe due to a lower-limb injury. The veteran Springboks lock sustained the problem during a 39-22 loss to the Stormers in Cape Town. The Sharks confirmed his status with a brief 15-word statement noting he is awaiting further medical examinations to determine the severity of the issue.

Several other Springboks will miss the tour, with Andre Esterhuizen, Ox Nche, Thomas du Toit, Ethan Hooker, and Edwill van der Merwe placed on mandatory rest. Makazole Mapimpi and several others remain injured, while Bongi Mbonambi faces an internal disciplinary process. The Sharks begin their European tour against Lyon in the Challenge Cup on Saturday before playing Cardiff and Munster in the United Rugby Championship.