Eben Etzebeth will captain the Springboks in their upcoming autumn internationals in the ongoing absence of injured No 8 Warren Whiteley, the South African Rugby Union said. Etzebeth, 25, initially took over the captaincy in June when Whiteley sustained a groin injury ahead of the final Test of a three-match home series against France.
The two-time world champions start their tour of Europe against Ireland on November 11 before trips to France and Italy ahead of their concluding match against Wales on December 2.
South Africa will also be without experienced back-rower Duane Vermeulen, who is recovering from groin surgery, as well as prop Frans Malherbe (neck), flanker Jaco Kriel and wing Ruan Combrinck (both shoulder).
Prop Coenie Oosthuizen is in line to return though after breaking his arm in the 23-23 Rugby Championship draw in Australia on September 9. The Springbok squad for the end of year tour will be announced on October 29.
Lions hooker Jamie George signs new deal
British and Irish Lions Test hooker Jamie George has signed a long-term contract extension with English Premiership leaders Saracens, the club announced. Saracens, the reigning European champions, said the England international’s deal will keep him at Allianz Park until 2021.
George, 26, made his first-team debut for the club in 2009. He has won 17 England caps and started all three Tests for the Lions in New Zealand in June and July. George has won back-to-back European Champions Cups and three Premiership titles with Saracens and his new deal comes just weeks after his England and Lions colleague Owen Farrell agreed a five-year contract extension with the club.
Saracens also announced new contracts for England international lock Nick Isiekwe and fly-half Max Malins, whose deals will run until 2020.
Nowell faces up to two months out injured
Winger Jack Nowell could miss England’s autumn internationals in November after sustaining multiple fractures around his cheek and eye socket during the Exeter Chiefs’ Premiership win over Newcastle Falcons last Saturday.
Nowell, who has 23 England caps, will undergo surgery to ascertain the extent of and treat his injury, and Exeter’s rugby director Rob Baxter said the 24-year-old could be out for six to eight weeks.
England will play three tests at Twickenham in November, starting with Argentina on Nov. 11, and followed by matches against Australia and Samoa. Eddie Jones’ side have already lost number eight Billy Vunipola and centre Manu Tuilagi to serious knee injuries.
Eben Etzebeth
