Scarra Ntubeni - A real Stormer
PROFILE: It was a fitting farewell to 2023 for Stormers hooker Scarra Ntubeni as he made his 100th appearance for the Cape Town team in the victory over Sharks.
The 32-year-old Ntubeni has been with the Cape Town-based Stormers for more than a decade now and head coach John Dobson has nothing but praise for his sustained service.
“You don’t get many one-club people, people who contribute to a team like he does on and off the field,” said Dobson.
“He’s one of the nicest guys I’ve ever had the privilege of coaching, a real Stormer.
“It was a very special occasion for us and him. When we said we were going to do it this week, the whole team stood up and gave him an ovation.”
What a way to celebrate a DHL Stormers great. Thank you @skara2ntubeni, you will always have a special place in the hearts of the Faithful. #iamastormer #dhldelivers #scatman pic.twitter.com/1hQLF1rOxG
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) December 31, 2023
Born in East London and schooled in Johannesburg, Ntubeni made his debut for both Western Province and the Stormers way back in 2011.
His fine form saw him included in the squad for South Africa’s 2013 end-of-year tour of Europe, but he didn’t play in any of the Tests.
However, he finally got his big day on the international stage in 2019 when he won his solitary Springbok cap against Argentina in Pretoria.
It was another career high for him at the weekend as he started against the Sharks to bring up his Stormers century, running out in front of his teammates and sharing in a 16-15 victory.
“It’s very special,” Ntubeni said.
“You just play, play and play and all of a sudden you get told you are on 97 or 98 appearances.
“I am very fortunate to be able to reach 100, to keep getting another chance.
“It’s taken me a while, but I’m very excited.
“There was a bit of emotion, thinking of all the tough times, all the times you want to give up, having seven operations.
“You do sometimes go through dips during your career, but then you think about this is where you wanted to be 10 years ago and now you are here. So, I am grateful.”
