Eben Etzebeth will lead the Springboks for the remainder of the season after Warren Whiteley was ruled out for the rest of the year.

The No 4 lock took over the leadership duties at the end of June when Whiteley was forced to withdraw on the eve of the third Test against France in Johannesburg.

Etzebeth was subsequently appointed as captain for the duration of the Rugby Championship, but coach Allister Coetzee confirmed on Monday that the 25-year-old will continue to lead the Boks on their four-Test tour of Europe after Whiteley’s injury layoff was prolonged by two months.

‘Eben has really taken to his role as captain of the Springboks and it makes sense to retain him. I know he is well respected by talking to opposition coaches and referees, and he enjoys the respect of his peers,’ said Coetzee in an official statement.

‘With Eben at the helm for the outgoing tour, we are looking forward to continue our process of building continuity, cohesion and experience within this team as we also start to build towards the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

The Springboks take on Ireland, France, Italy and Wales between 11 November and 2 December.

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images