In this day and age, it’s very rare for a player to commit himself to just one club during his senior career, and yet that is an unequivocal achievement that Scarra Ntubeni – who earned Springbok honours in 2019 – can proudly celebrate as he heads into retirement
The 35-year-old confirmed that his 15-year career was now concluding after offering illustrious service to the Stormers and Western Province, including over 150 appearances.
Ntubeni, who earned one Springbok cap against Argentina at Loftus in a winning cause, will make his final appearance for the Stormers against Connacht at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
“I knew this day was going to come,” he said. “The last few months have come quicker than I thought.
“I am grateful for my time here at the Stormers, what this union has done for me and meant to me.”
Stormers legend fully deserved Springbok honours
If not for untimely injuries and the incredible depth at hooker in South African rugby, there is little doubt Ntubeni would have played in at least a few more Test matches.
However, that certainly doesn’t diminish what has been a stellar career.
“It is time for me to ‘take a bow’ and it would be nice to play my last game here at this (Cape Town) stadium,” he added.
Career Highlights
- 2012 Currie Cup Champion: One of his proudest moments was helping Western Province end an 11-year drought by defeating the Sharks in Durban. He was instrumental in a front row that faced off against legends like Beast Mtawarira and Bismarck du Plessis.
- The long-awaited Bok cap: After being included in multiple squads and tours (dating back to 2013) without getting game time, he finally earned his Springbok debut in 2019. He famously described those final nine minutes on the pitch as a career-defining highlight.
- 100-Cap Club: Joining an elite group of players to play a century of games for the Stormers, he achieved this milestone at home in Cape Town with his family in attendance.
- Resilience and loyalty: Despite missing nearly two full years of rugby at one point due to injury, he remained a “one-club man”, becoming a cornerstone for the Stormers’ locker room.
