Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth will observe a three-month break from rugby after suffering his third concussion of the year in the Test match against England, his club Toulon confirmed.

In a press release on Friday afternoon, Toulon announced that Etzebeth will not be playing any rugby for the next three months due to concussion protocol, which will rule him out until the end of February.

The decision was made after specialist advice and is in line with the concussion management protocol of the National Rugby League (LNR).

Etzebeth suffered his third concussion of the year during the Springboks’ loss to England at Twickenham on Saturday, a game in which he played the full 80 minutes.

This may, however, be something of a blessing in disguise for the 30-year-old, given that he played in all but one of the Springboks’ 13 Test matches in 2021. This includes all three Tests of the British & Irish Lions series, both Tests against New Zealand and all three Tests of the Outgoing Tour.

Etzebeth played a total of 245 minutes on tour, so would benefit from an opportunity to rest and recover from an intense schedule.

“Rugby Club Toulonnais wishes Eben Etzebeth a speedy recovery,” the French club said in a statement.