Experienced Sharks lock Eben Etzebeth has confirmed that he will be fit for the franchise when they host Edinburgh in the quarter-final of Challenge Cup at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium on Saturday. 

The back-to-back SA Rugby Player of the Year missed the previous match when the Sharks sailed into the quarterfinal of the Challenge Cup, defeating Zebre Parma 47-3, running in seven tries in the process at Kings Park last Sunday.  

It was the third win on the trot at the Shark Tank having enjoyed a back-to-back wins in the United Rugby Championship against Ulster and Edinburgh respectively. 

But Etzebeth missed Zebre Parma in the Challenge Cup having picked up an injury against the very same Edinburgh two weeks ago, coming off before the second half when his place was taken by Corne Rahl. 

“Yes, I’m back in the team this weekend and hopefully everything goes well,” Etzebeth replied to Sportswire in Durban where he was announced as the brand ambassador of the Hollywoodbets in an exclusive event on Thursday.  

The 32-year-old, regarded as one of the best locks in the world, has featured in just eight matches, scoring four tries, as he has been hampered by injuries.  

The Hollywoodbets Sharks, despite having an experienced side packed with Springboks World Cup players, are highly unlikely to finish in the top eight of the United Rugby Championship, lying 13^th in the table. 

“It has been an unbelievably disappointing season for the Hollywoodbets Sharks,” said Etzebeth without hesitating. 

“We haven’t performed at all as we wanted to be, but we have a way to rectify in the Challenge Cup. If you told us five, or six weeks ago we might be able to win a trophy at the end of the season in Europe, I think people would have probably taken that.  

“Now we are three games away from winning it.”  

Etzebeth joins the star-powered Team of Hollywoodbets brand Ambassadors including the likes of Robert Marawa, Carol Tshabalala, Vernon Philander, Anthony Delpech, Odwa and Akona Ndungane, Jerry Sikhosana, and Brian Baloyi. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Anlia (Etzebeth’s wife) and Eben to the Hollywoodbets team. Eben’s commanding presence and unmatched determination on the rugby field have made him a global icon, while Anlia’s versatile talents in acting and singing make her a true multi-faceted performer who has captivated audiences across South Africa,” said Hollywoodbets Brand and Communications Manager Devin Heffer.  

“We look forward to a dynamic journey ahead as we continue to redefine the intersection of entertainment and sports betting.  

“Fans can look forward to exclusive content, promotions, and experiences featuring Anlia and Eben Etzebeth as they embark on this exciting new chapter with the Purple Family.”