How Etzebeth met McGregor

Springbok and Toulon lock Eben Etzebeth has explained how the opportunity to meet Irish mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor came about.

Etzebeth set social media ablaze this week after posting a photo of himself with McGregor on his Instagram page. This led to debates over who would win if the two were to fight.

‘We are now just looking for the right promoter to start the fight,’ Etzebeth joked with Rapport newspaper.

The second-rower explained that he went to Monaco with Toulon teammate and Vodacom Bulls-bound prop Marcel van der Merwe, who got in touch with Princess Charlene.

‘Her brother sent a message saying I should come through for a visit,’ Etzebeth said. ‘They are very nice people. Prince Albert himself is a nice guy.

‘When we were eating, they said Conor was in Nice and he wanted to come by tomorrow to meet them.  The next day we barbecued together. It was nice to hear how his things work and to be able to meet him.

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‘He is very down to earth. Ireland usually has nice people so I expected him to be a good guy. He is short, but quite built and has broad shoulders, so do not underestimate him. ‘

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Photo: Instagram