South Africa Recall Etzebeth as Ahmed Returns Home

South Africa have recalled lock Eben Etzebeth to their Nations Championship squad and sent uncapped flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed home with a shoulder problem, coach Rassie Erasmus said Sunday. Etzebeth is expected to join the team in France on Monday, but his selection for the matchday squad against France has not been confirmed.

Etzebeth, who has made 147 Test appearances, was initially ruled out of the tour through injury. His recall gives South Africa another option in the second row ahead of matches against France and Ireland. One report identified his initial injury as an ankle problem, while others did not specify its nature.

Ahmed, 20, was one of six uncapped players named in the touring squad. He missed most of the buildup to South Africa’s 66-7 win over Italy in Turin with a sore shoulder and will return to South Africa to recover, Erasmus said. The coach said the squad had enough backline cover and that Etzebeth’s experience and leadership were reasons for bringing him in.

“We are very sad for Yaqeen after earning his first callup to the national squad, but we feel it will be best for him to return to South Africa to recover,” Erasmus said. He added that Ahmed had gained...