Robert Ebersohn, a prominent rugby player, retired due to a concussion injury sustained during a pre-season match against Australia’s Western Force. He played over 260 matches, including 110 for the Cheetahs and over 150 for French teams. His career took off straight out of high school, where he made his debut in 2008 against the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld. Ebersohn’s journey ended where it began, playing for his cherished Cheetahs in front of his family and establishing strong bonds with teammates.
Who is Robert Ebersohn and why did he retire from rugby?
Robert Ebersohn was a prominent rugby player who retired due to a concussion injury sustained during a pre-season match against Australia’s Western Force on October 6, 2023. He played 110 matches for the Cheetahs, over 150 games for French teams Montpellier and Castres, and represented the national Sevens team, the BlitzBoks, in 12 tournaments. Ebersohn began his professional journey straight out of high school, making his debut against the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in 2008.
Chapter One: The End of A Champion’s Era
Robert Ebersohn, the stalwart of the Cheetahs, has gracefully called time on his illustrious rugby journey. Confirming the swirling media rumours, his retirement was necessitated by the implications of a concussion injury. Following the advice of medical professionals, Ebersohn, aged 34, decided to step away from the sport, leaving an unforgettable legacy in the annals of rugby.
The day of destiny was October 6, 2023, when Ebersohn suffered a concussion during a clash against Australia’s Western Force in a pre-season match. This unfortunate accident brought a close to an extraordinary career that witnessed Ebersohn wearing the Cheetahs jersey in an impressive 110 matches. Beyond his feats with the Cheetahs, he also participated in over 150 games for French teams Montpellier and Castres, and represented the national Sevens team, the BlitzBoks, in 12 tournaments.
Chapter Two: A Glorious Career
On May 5th of the same year, Ebersohn created history when he stepped onto the field for his 100th match with the Cheetahs. His dedication to the sport led him to play ten more games before he ultimately chose to retire. Merely 19 years old, Ebersohn embarked on his professional journey straight out of high school, making his debut against the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in 2008.
“Looking back, I vividly recall my first game,” reminisces Ebersohn, his voice tinged with nostalgia. “Meyer Bosman had to leave the field for blood, and I stepped in for five minutes.” His career took a soaring leap when he led the South African Under-20 team and played 10 matches for the Junior Springboks between 2008 and 2009. From 2008 to 2012, he became an integral part of the incredibly successful BlitzBoks team.
However, the last game that Ebersohn remembers is not one he played in his homeland, but in France. On May 14, 2021, he played against Nevers in the French PRO D2 league at the bustling Nevers stadium, located about 260 kilometres southeast of Paris.
Chapter Three: A Stranger in A New Land
In this foreign soil, Ebersohn found himself amidst crowds that were oblivious to his excellence on the field. His wife and two children were absent, unable to witness him in action. His time with Béziers, being a mere eight months long, hadn’t given him the chance to build strong bonds with many team members or make friends. His only companions were two fellow South Africans in the team, sharing a post-match beer with him.
With a silent prayer, Ebersohn sought divine intervention. He yearned for the chance to culminate his rugby career on a more positive note, in a familiar territory, encircled by people who cherished and acknowledged him.
Chapter Four: Homecoming and The Final Bow
In response to his prayers, Ebersohn returned to his cherished Cheetahs in August 2021. Back on his home ground, he played for his supporters – the people who had watched his transformation from a promising youth into a seasoned player. He had the pleasure of playing before his family — his wife, two children, parents, and siblings. His twin brother even had the privilege to witness him play his 100th game in Bloemfontein, and his sister was there when he played against the Bulls in Pretoria, evoking memories of his last Currie Cup game in 2008.
Over two years, Ebersohn formed new friendships and established strong bonds with teammates that were founded on mutual admiration and respect. An advocate for the belief that comradeship leads to better performance, Ebersohn will always treasure these relationships.
Ebersohn’s journey has indeed come a full circle. He began his rugby voyage playing informal games in the garden with his brother and friends and concluded his professional career playing alongside them.
He takes this moment to convey his gratitude to his wife, Mariza, who put her dreams and life on pause, ensuring Ebersohn could chase his aspiration of being a professional rugby player. As Ebersohn walks off the field for the last time, one can’t avoid being awestruck by the extraordinary journey of this Cheetah stalwart.
1. Who is Robert Ebersohn and why did he retire from rugby?
Robert Ebersohn was a prominent rugby player who retired due to a concussion injury sustained during a pre-season match against Australia’s Western Force on October 6, 2023.
2. How many matches did Ebersohn play for the Cheetahs?
Ebersohn played 110 matches for the Cheetahs, making him a stalwart of the team.
3. In addition to the Cheetahs, what other teams did Ebersohn play for?
Ebersohn participated in over 150 games for French teams Montpellier and Castres, and represented the national Sevens team, the BlitzBoks, in 12 tournaments.
4. When did Ebersohn make his debut and for which team?
Ebersohn began his professional journey straight out of high school, making his debut against the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in 2008.
5. What was Ebersohn’s experience playing rugby in France like?
Ebersohn found himself amidst crowds that were oblivious to his excellence on the field. His time with Béziers, being a mere eight months long, hadn’t given him the chance to build strong bonds with many team members or make friends.
6. How did Ebersohn’s rugby journey come to a close?
Ebersohn returned to his cherished Cheetahs in August 2021. Back on his home ground, he played for his supporters – the people who had watched his transformation from a promising youth into a seasoned player. He had the pleasure of playing before his family — his wife, two children, parents, and siblings. Over two years, Ebersohn formed new friendships and established strong bonds with teammates that were founded on mutual admiration and respect. His rugby journey came to a close playing for the Cheetahs in front of his family and establishing strong bonds with teammates.
