Springbok Etzebeth to exit Toulon for 'personal reasons'
-
Jubilant Peruvians celebrate new pope at mass in adoptive city
-
Scottish refinery closure spells trouble for green transition
-
Convicted ex-Panama president Martinelli granted asylum in Colombia
-
IPL chiefs in talks about restart following ceasefire: reports
-
Navarrete beats Suarez on technical decision to keep title
-
Scans clear Wallabies fly-half Lolesio of serious back injury
-
Leo XIV to address faithful with St Peter's prayer
-
T-Wolves grab 2-1 NBA playoff series lead as Celtics get key win
-
Gaza war casts shadow over Cannes film festival
-
'Treasure hunt': tourists boost sales at Japan's Don Quijote stores
-
Cannes Festival: the films in competition
-
Cannes film festival: what to look out for
-
Jordan hospital treats war casualties from across Middle East
-
As Trump family's Gulf empire grows, rulers seek influence, arms, tech
-
S. Korea conservatives choose presidential candidate after last-minute chaos
-
Trump hails 'total reset' in US-China trade relations as talks continue
-
Film claims to name killer of slain journalist Shireen Abu Akleh
-
Under Trump pressure, Columbia University ends semester in turmoil
-
Putin proposes direct Ukraine talks but quiet on 30-day ceasefire
-
Trump hails US-China trade 'reset' after first day of talks
-
Jeeno leads Boutier by one at LPGA Americas Open
-
Lowry, Straka share lead at windy Truist
-
Messi suffers worst defeat in MLS as Miami fall again
-
Celtics overwhelm Knicks to pull within 2-1 in NBA playoff series
-
Toulouse crush Toulon to reach Top 14 semis as Castres pay tribute to Raisuqe
-
Marseille, Monaco clinch Champions League qualification from Ligue 1
-
'One of those days': Atletico record-breaker Sorloth hits four
-
Toulouse's Ntamack suffers concussion in Top 14, Willemse nears exit
-
Record-breaker Sorloth hits four as Atletico smash Real Sociedad
-
'Weight off my shoulders': Bayern's Kane toasts breakthrough title
-
Sinner grateful for 'amazing' support on Italian Open return from doping ban
-
Hamburg return to Bundesliga after seven-year absence
-
Toulouse's Ntamack suffers concussion in Top 14 clash
-
India, Pakistan reach ceasefire -- but trade claims of violations
-
'Long time coming': Bayern's Kane toasts breakthrough title
-
US, China conclude first day of trade talks in Geneva
-
Kane tastes first title as champions Bayern bid farewell to Mueller
-
Benfica deny Sporting to take Portuguese title race to wire
-
Sinner makes triumphant return from doping ban at Italian Open
-
Sinner wins at Italian Open in first match since doping ban
-
Leo XIV, new pope and 'humble servant of God', visits Francis's tomb
-
India claims Pakistan violated truce, says it is retaliating
-
Champions League race hots up as Man City held, Villa win
-
Kane tastes first title as champions Bayern see off Mueller
-
US envoy calls enrichment 'red line' ahead of new Iran talks
-
Hastoy lifts La Rochelle as Castres pay tribute to Raisuqe
-
Southampton avoid Premier League 'worst-ever' tag with Man City draw
-
Injury forces Saints quarterback Carr to retire
-
S.Korea conservative party reinstates candidate after day of turmoil
-
Verdict due Tuesday in Depardieu sexual assault trial
NYSE - LSE
Springbok Etzebeth to exit Toulon for 'personal reasons'
World Cup winner Eben Etzebeth confirmed on Sunday he will leave Top 14 rugby club Toulon to return to South Africa at the end of the season.
The 30-year-old lock arrived at the French club in 2019, but this season played just once, Saturday's 21-18 win over Top 14 leaders Bordeaux Begles, which moved Toulon off the bottom of the table.
"I'm sad to have to leave Toulon and my teammates at the end of the season, but personal reasons force me to do so," said Etzebeth, who has earned just short of 100 caps for the Springboks.
"Toulon and its supporters welcomed me with fervour, kindness and sympathy. I have the desire to give my all with this team until the end of the season, to allow Toulon to perform, to move up the rankings and to be ambitious in the Challenge Cup."
Etzebeth started the season with South Africa in the southern hemisphere Rugby Championship and then played in the autumn internationals in November.
In the last match of the tour, a one-point loss to England at Twickenham, Etzebeth suffered his third concussion of the year.
Just as he ended five months away from Toulon, Etzebeth was ruled out for three months.
"Eben Etzebeth has expressed the wish to terminate the contract binding him to the Toulon rugby club in advance in order to return, for personal reasons, to South Africa," the club said in a statement.
"Aware of the difficulties encountered by this player, Toulon has taken note of this request and accepted it."
Three-time European champions Toulon's Covid problems mean they have played fewer games than any other club in the Top 14.
P.Martin--AMWN