Eben Etzebeth and Damian de Allende have turned down offers to play club rugby abroad during the off-season in order to rest.

Two weeks ago Bok coach Allister Coetzee confirmed Etzebeth will ‘definitely’ play in the English Premiership for a short stint, with reports linking the lanky lock to Bristol on a big-money deal.

Etzebeth has however reversed his decision, with his agent Hilton Houghton saying he opted to rest before the 2017 season kicks off.

‘I can confirm Eben will not be accepting any offers,’ Houghton told Netwerk24. ‘He has decided to rather rest and have a good pre-season with the Stormers with an eye on next year’s Super Rugby competition.’

De Allende followed suit, confirming on Tuesday that he will not return to Japan during the off-season, as it takes strain on his body and influences his form.

'Playing in Japan did work against me. After the World Cup I only had four days off before flying out to Japan and starting my season there.

“I didn’t get any rest‚ which was tough on the body‚ but in saying that I really enjoyed my time in Japan and I hope to go back one day,' said De Allende. 

'The Kintetsu Liners looked after me very well‚ but I won’t be going back for the next two years. It’s been hard and I probably underestimated how tough it would be coming back. I would benefit from an off-season,' he added.

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images