Two World Cups. Countless battles. One legend. His story, in his words.

Coming soon from Jonathan Ball Publishers!

Unlocked by Eben Etzebeth is a raw, inspiring look at the Springbok legend’s rise, mindset and unmatched journey to rugby greatness.

• Pre-order the book here!

About the book

Eben Etzebeth is known as one of the hard men of rugby. With more Springbok Test caps than any other player, he’s given and received his fair share of bruises. But he has also fought his way into the hearts of South Africans with his never-say-die attitude.

In Unlocked, Etzebeth will further delight – and even surprise – his legion of fans. It’s a frank and disarming account from his earliest days, when he first couldn’t even make the A team in high school, through his 13 years and 131 caps as lock wearing the green & gold jersey.

Unlocked is much more than the sum of all the matches. Etzebeth reveals his strong interest in strategy and coaching, the quota system and leadership and the role that the Springboks play in uniting South Africa. He also provides wonderful insight into many of his teammates, in particular his close bond with Siya Kolisi, as well as some of his opponents.

Etzebeth doesn’t shy away from controversy, and he gives his side of the story on the ‘Langebaan incident’ which almost derailed his team selection in 2019. This is an inspiring story of a man who has led from the front, and played against the best in the world.

Also available in Afrikaans as Ten Slotte.

Categories Non-fiction South Africa

Tags Biography Eben Etzebeth Jonathan Ball Publishers Memoir New books New releases Rugby Sport Unlocked