South Africa’s Eben Etzebeth is poised to assist the Sharks coaching team following his extensive ban for his eye-gouge on Wales’ Alex Mann. The development comes in the wake of head coach John Plumtree’s decision to step down as the team’s head coach after the forthcoming Champions Cup match against Toulouse.
Etzebeth has been handed a 12-week suspension for his involvement in the incident, although he has denied any intention to make contact with Mann’s eye. His ban was halved by a disciplinary panel, a decision that was partially due to a favourable character reference from New Zealand’s Ardie Savea. However, he is now suspended for all of the Sharks’ four Champions Cup pool matches, and also stands to miss eight United Rugby Championship fixtures over the next three months.
His absence led to Etzebeth being deregistered by the Sharks, a move made to try to accommodate an extra player in their 42-man squad. They plan to register him again should they reach the play-offs in April.
“It’s just an admin thing really,” said head coach Plumtree, father of Wales star Taine. “Eben’s devastated. It’s a big blow for us. One of our star players, an important part of our tight five and also our leadership. It’s not ideal at all.
“He’s very remorseful, obviously. He knows what an impact it can have on a club like ours.”
Plumtree revealed that the Sharks will reassess their strategy under the guidance of coach JP Pietersen, who is poised to assume control of the team upon their return to South Africa, where they face home matches against Saracens and the Bulls.
Meanwhile, Etzebeth is slated to step into a temporary coaching role with the team, as Plumtree is eager to maintain his presence within the squad.
“He [Etzebeth] will come and do some coaching with our juniors,” he further explained. “He’ll help out some of our seniors as well.
“He needs to be around. He’ll take a break now, obviously. He’s got a pretty young family, but we’ll get him doing some tasks for us which will help.”