World Cup-winner Eben Etzebeth says he is targeting a Top 14 and Challenge Cup double during his time with Toulon after linking up with the French side this week.
Etzebeth arrived on the south coast of France this week and faced the media for the first time as a Toulon player after passing his medical on Friday.
The Springbok, who signed a two-year deal with the French giants, said he wants to write his own piece of history during his time with the club.
‘After winning the World Cup I have three objectives,’ Etzebeth said. ‘Qualification for the European Champions Cup, and winning the Top 14 and the European Challenge Cup.’
After a tough 2018-19 season, when the club finished ninth after losing 14 of their 26 games, Toulon have rebounded and currently sit fifth overall – 15 points behind league leaders Lyon.
Toulon have enjoyed an unbeaten start in Europe, winning both of their opening Challenge Cup matches against Bayonne and the Scarlets.
Etzebeth is following in the footsteps of several other Springboks – including Duane Vermeulen, Bakkies Botha, Bryan Habana and Juan Smith – in joining Toulon.
‘I cannot wait to start my European adventure. Toulon has a rich history with a lot of success and with some great players who have passed through here. I want to be a part of that history.
‘Bakkies Botha, Duane Vermeulen and Bryan Habana told me a lot about Toulon. They told me how beautiful the city was and the importance of the club for the fans.’
Etzebeth revealed that he had the opportunity to join Toulon after the 2015 World Cup, but decided that he was not ready for the move and had unfinished business in South Africa.
‘I was too young at the time,’ he said. ‘I still wanted to play for the Springboks. We were coming out of the 2015 World Cup and I wanted to prepare well for 2019 before going abroad.’
Photo: Getty Images
