Monday 7 November 2016 19:02, UK
South Africa's Eben Etzebeth is 'definitely' going to play for an English Premiership side, according to Springboks coach Allister Coetzee.
Saracens looked to be in pole position to sign the lock on a three-month deal in a bid to solve a second-row injury crisis that sees them without England internationals George Kruis and Maro Itoje.
However talks broke down last month, reportedly over Etzebeth's proposed wages.
But there has been speculation that Etzebeth could sign a short-term deal with Premiership strugglers Bristol in a bid to boost their hopes of avoiding relegation.
The 25-year-old, set to play for South Africa against England in the Sky Live match at Twickenham on Saturday, would be available following the conclusion of the Springboks' European tour before returning home in the Spring to see out the final year of his current contract with the Stormers.
"Eben Etzebeth playing up here would be a great experience for him because he would be playing against top quality locks in the northern hemisphere game," the Springbok coach said.
"The conditions would be different and he would learn from it. I can assure you it is definitely going to happen but I'm not sure where he will go."
Etzebeth, speaking before the Springboks' tour-opening 31-31 draw with the Barbarians at Wembley, said: "I'm focusing on the end-of-the-year tour. After that, nothing is pen on paper or certain. I'm loving being here in England and the weather is better than I thought."
Watch England v South Africa live on Sky Sports 1 HD on Saturday from 2pm. Watch on NOW TV for £6.99. No contract.
