The curtain is set to close on Scarra Ntubeni's illustrious 15-year saga with the Stormers this Saturday when they clash with Connacht at Cape Town Stadium. The veteran hooker, at age 35, has declared this match his swan song, capping off a commendable tenure with the Cape Town squad.
Ntubeni, who etched his mark in the annals of rugby with a single but memorable appearance for the Springboks against Argentina in 2019, has been a stalwart for the Stormers, crossing the century mark of appearances in a heated match against the Sharks back in December 2023. The looming retirement was not an impulsive decision, as conversations with Stormers director of rugby, John Dobson, had been ongoing since the start of the year.
"Dobbo and I have been having chats since earlier this year,"
Ntubeni shared with reporters. "It is time for me to take a bow and it would be nice to play my last game here at this stadium."
The hooker's journey has been more than just about personal milestones; it's been deeply intertwined with the fabric of the Stormers community. Reflecting on his approaching finale, Ntubeni expressed a heartfelt gratitude towards the team and its impact on his life and career.
"I knew this day was going to come,"
he admitted. "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."
While hinting at hanging up his boots, Ntubeni isn't disappearing into the shadows just yet. He plans to remain in fighting shape, ready to answer the call should the Stormers need his seasoned prowess on the field once more. This blend of readiness and nostalgia marks a fitting transition as he prepares to pass the torch.
As the Stormers gear up to bid farewell to one of their longstanding warriors, the match against Connacht isn’t just another game—it's a celebration of dedication, perseverance, and the spirit of rugby embodied by Scarra Ntubeni.
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The curtain is set to close on Scarra Ntubeni's illustrious 15-year saga with the Stormers this Saturday when they clash with Connacht at Cape Town Stadium. The veteran hooker, at age 35, has declared this match his swan song, capping off a commendable tenure with the Cape Town squad.
Ntubeni, who etched his mark in the annals of rugby with a single but memorable appearance for the Springboks against Argentina in 2019, has been a stalwart for the Stormers, crossing the century mark of appearances in a heated match against the Sharks back in December 2023. The looming retirement was not an impulsive decision, as conversations with Stormers director of rugby, John Dobson, had been ongoing since the start of the year.
"Dobbo and I have been having chats since earlier this year,"
Ntubeni shared with reporters. "It is time for me to take a bow and it would be nice to play my last game here at this stadium."
The hooker's journey has been more than just about personal milestones; it's been deeply intertwined with the fabric of the Stormers community. Reflecting on his approaching finale, Ntubeni expressed a heartfelt gratitude towards the team and its impact on his life and career.
"I knew this day was going to come,"
he admitted. "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."
While hinting at hanging up his boots, Ntubeni isn't disappearing into the shadows just yet. He plans to remain in fighting shape, ready to answer the call should the Stormers need his seasoned prowess on the field once more. This blend of readiness and nostalgia marks a fitting transition as he prepares to pass the torch.
As the Stormers gear up to bid farewell to one of their longstanding warriors, the match against Connacht isn’t just another game—it's a celebration of dedication, perseverance, and the spirit of rugby embodied by Scarra Ntubeni.