Sharks-bound Eben Etzebeth suffers yet another injury setback

Mere days after confirming they won't be counting on his services anymore at the end of the current season, Toulon now will have even more limited use of Eben Etzebeth.

The 30-year-old Springbok lock, who this week made local headlines by signing with the Sharks, faces another period on the sidelines after sustaining a calf injury.

A report by RMC Sport noted that Etzebeth had torn the muscle during a training session before Toulon's Top 14 meeting with Perpignan and will be out of action for at least a month.

READ | Etzebeth opens up on return to SA, Sharks move: 'Things are happening there'

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.

Toulon, boasting another South African superstar within their ranks in winger Cheslin Kolbe, are experiencing a traumatic season where they currently sit second from bottom in the league.

There has previously been tension between Etzebeth and the club's hierarchy, with president Bernard Lemaitre stating he believes players like Etzebeth represent "handicaps" to teams because they cost a lot of money and then run the risk of being out of commission due to injuries sustained at international level.

The 97-cap Bok, however, revealed that personal circumstances played the biggest role in him joining the Sharks.

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

Our newest Shark ??#OurSharksForever pic.twitter.com/uSB4XNjRdt