Fireside Chat
Corporate teams, schools, sports organizations, leadership forums, and global conferences seeking lessons in resilience, teamwork, and leadership under pressure.
Eben Etzebeth is one of South Africa’s most decorated and respected rugby players, celebrated for his fierce competitiveness, strategic brilliance, and leadership both on and off the field. Towering at 6’8” and weighing over 120kg, Eben has been a cornerstone of the Springboks since his Test debut in 2012 at just 20 years old. With over 100 Test caps, he has become one of South Africa’s most capped players and a central figure in the nation’s historic Rugby World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023.
Born into a rugby-loving family, Eben rose through South Africa’s renowned school and provincial rugby systems before making his mark with the Stormers in Super Rugby. His relentless work ethic, dominance in tight contests, and physical presence established him as a world-class lock. He has also showcased his talent on the global stage with Toulon in France and the Sharks, further cementing his reputation as an international rugby icon.
Off the pitch, Eben is admired for his quiet but powerful leadership style. He leads by example, inspiring teammates and fans alike through resilience, determination, and consistency. His journey from a promising schoolboy player to a two-time World Cup champion embodies lessons of perseverance, adaptability, and excellence under pressure.
Eben Etzebeth is one of South Africa’s most accomplished rugby players, known for his fierce competitiveness, leadership, and remarkable athleticism. Standing tall at 6’8” and weighing over 120kg, Etzebeth’s physical presence is matched by his exceptional skill and strategic brilliance on the field.
He made his Springbok debut in 2012 at just 20 years old and has since earned over 100 Test caps, making him one of South Africa’s most capped players. His contributions have been pivotal to the Springboks’ successes, including their historic Rugby World Cup wins in 2019 and 2023.
Born into a rugby-loving family, Etzebeth honed his skills in South Africa’s competitive school and provincial rugby systems before making a name for himself with the Stormers in Super Rugby. His unmatched work ethic and ability to dominate in tight contests have earned him accolades both locally and internationally. Beyond his exploits on the field, he has also played professionally for Toulon in France and the Sharks, solidifying his reputation as one of rugby’s global icons.
Off the field, Eben is known for his quiet yet impactful leadership style, inspiring teammates and fans alike through his actions rather than words. His journey from a promising young player to one of the sport’s greats is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and relentless commitment. Whether sharing insights on teamwork, leadership, or overcoming challenges, Eben brings a wealth of experience and inspiration to every stage.
Eben Etzebeth continues to leave a lasting legacy in rugby, embodying the spirit of the Springboks while inspiring the next generation of players and leaders.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and view our International site
In this short feature, a professional rugby player shares how rugby transformed his life and gave him the opportunity to provide for his family in ways once unimaginable. Growing up, life was far from easy. He recalls the sacrifices his family made, the hard work required, and the uncertainty of pursuing a sporting career.
His breakthrough came when he was first contracted to the Super Rugby squad, earning what felt like a life-changing salary compared to his modest upbringing. Returning home to share the news with his parents and brother, he describes their collective disbelief and pride. That moment marked not just a milestone in his career, but also a turning point for his family’s future.
For him, rugby is more than a game—it has been a vehicle for opportunity and transformation. With his career, he’s been able to give back to his parents, provide a better life, and even fulfill childhood dreams, such as living near the ocean in Blouberg. The sense of achievement, gratitude, and responsibility runs deep as he reflects on how the sport reshaped not only his life but the lives of those closest to him.
The clip closes with a reminder that rugby is not only about competition but also about family, resilience, and creating a legacy through dedication and sacrifice.
00:00 – Opening reflection on growing up without an easy life.
00:45 – First involvement in the Super Rugby squad and junior contract.
01:15 – Sharing the excitement of his first salary with family.
02:00 – How rugby allowed him to give back and improve his family’s life.
02:45 – Dream of living in Blouberg near the ocean becomes reality.
03:15 – Closing reflection: rugby as a life-changing force.
A: Leadership under pressure, teamwork, resilience, and lessons from elite sport.
A: Yes, Eben tailors his talks to inspire athletes, business leaders, and young professionals alike.
A: Yes, he frequently engages with global audiences and organizations.
Professor Nick Binedell is the founding director and current professor of the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) and a leadership speaker. He holds a PhD from the University of Washington in Seattle, where he was a Boeing Scholar, an MBA from the University of Cape Town and a Bachelor of Commerce […]
3 Tons of Fun has emerged over the last 8 years as one of Cape Town’s most loved-all female groups! Perfect for corporate events and conferences through Speakers Inc Bulelwa Sakayi (Mezzo Soprano) Bulelwa Sakayi was born and raised in East London. She moved from home to Cape Town to study chemical engineering. With music as a […]
Pie-Pacifique Kabalira-Uwase embodies resilience, determination, and the unyielding pursuit of dreams against all odds. Born into the tumultuous backdrop of war-torn Rwanda, Pie-Pacifique’s early life was marked by the horrors of genocide. Faced with the grim reality of violence and persecution, he made the courageous decision to leave his homeland in pursuit of safety. His […]
Pete actively works to build respect for his profession as chairperson of the Western Cape Chapter of the South African Chefs Association and lecturing in Operational Management at the Institute of Culinary Arts in Stellenbosch. MasterChef SA Judge Pete Goffe-Wood is a self-styled food alchemist and when he’s not on the set of the runaway […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
