Eben Etzebeth has responded to Bakkies Botha after the former Springbok lock criticised him for only performing at his best for the Springboks.

Etzebeth has been released from his Toulon contract a year early and will return to South Africa at the end of the season to take up a contract with the Sharks.

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Botha, arguably the most decorated player in the history of the game, had an illustrious career with Toulon winning the European Championship three times and a Top 14 title in 2014.

Having set a high standard for World Cup-winning Springbok locks in Europe, Botha has been critical of Etzebeth’s time at the club and expressed disappointment that his successor, for club and country, has failed to tough it out in France.

Etzebeth returned from a concussion after a three-month absence, but reports indicate he is once again sidelined with a calf injury, as he missed this past weekend’s win over Perpignan.

The 30-year-old took to social media to remind Botha of his “honour code”.

“@BakkiesBotha – Noted,” Etzebeth tweeted on Monday.

“Next time you want to ENFORCE an opinion, you’ve got my number. #exspringbokteammates #onthoujouerekode [remember your honour code].”

@BakkiesBotha4 – Noted.

Next time you want to ENFORCE an opinion, you’ve got my number.#exspringbokteammates#onthoujouerekode

— Eben Etzebeth (@EbenEtzebeth) February 21, 2022

ALSO READ: Bakkies hammers Etzebeth

Photo: Duif du Toit/Gallo Images