Eben Etzebeth in doubt for June Tests

Springbok and Stormers lock Eben Etzebeth looks set to miss all four of the Springboks’ June Tests after the Stormers confirmed that the lock will not make a return to Super Rugby until July.

According to Stormers coach Robbie Fleck, Etzebeth is only 85% fit and will not be considered for next weekend’s game between the Stormers and Lions at Newlands.

There is a chance that Etzebeth may regain full fitness before the Boks’ first Test against Wales on 2 June, but it’s unlikely that he will be selected because he has not played since December last year.

‘The decision, whether they want to pick him or not, lies with Rassie [Erasmus] and the Bok selectors,’ Fleck told Netwerk24.com,

‘But he has not been declared fit by our medical team and we’ve conveyed that message to the Boks’ medical staff.

‘Eben is expected to be fit in the second or third week of June.’

This means that Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus may have to replace Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager in June with the latter being ruled out for the remainder of the season after starting the season as the form lock in South Africa.