Etzebeth responds to Bakkies' criticism of Toulon spell: 'You've got my number'

Eben Etzebeth has taken to social media after former Springbok lock Bakkies Botha called into question his spell at the French Top 14 club, Toulon.

Over the weekend in an interview with Midi Olympique, Botha - who played for the club between 2011 and 2015 - acknowledged that while Etzebeth is the best in the world, "in Toulon, he is still a little injured, concussed and in the end, never plays."

Etzebeth faces another month on the sidelines after suffering a torn muscle during a training session before Toulon's Top 14 meeting with Perpignan and his time at the club has been plagued by injuries. 

Frustratingly for the struggling French giants, their prized asset had just returned from a three-month break last week as part of a concussion protocol.

READ | Bakkies hits out at Etzebeth's Toulon stay: 'He only shows his best face with the Springboks'

Etzebeth responded on Twitter on Monday and clearly wasn't impressed by what Botha had to say in the interview.

"@BakkiesBotha4- Noted. Next time you want to ENFORCE an opinion, you've got my number. #exspringbokteammates #onthoujouerekode," Etzebeth tweeted.

Etzebeth, who boasts 97 Test caps, has recently signed for the Sharks saying that personal circumstances played the biggest role in his decision to return to play South Africa. 

He reports for duty in July and has signed a long-term contract until 2027.

@BakkiesBotha4 - Noted.Next time you want to ENFORCE an opinion, you've got my number.#exspringbokteammates#onthoujouerekode