Eben Etzebeth is set to make his long-awaited return to the field in what would be a significant boost for last-place Toulon as they prepare to face Top 14 rivals Bordeaux on Saturday.

The Springbok lock was on duty for South Africa in the Rugby Championship at the start of the 2021/2022 Top 14 season and again during the November internationals.

In the last match of the tour, a one-point loss to England at Twickenham, Etzebeth suffered his third concussion of the year. Just as he ended five months away from Toulon, Etzebeth was ruled out for three months.

The 30-year-old is poised to return on Saturday for a match that was postponed in December.

Bordeaux-Begles are five points clear at the top of the Top 14 table. Three-time European champions Toulon are last but they have games in hand on every club, including Biarritz who are one point above them on the table.

Etzebeth might not be the only international veteran returning to the pack. Italian Sergio Parisse could also make his return after a wrist injury.

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