Stormers sign Bok to fill Kitshoff's boots

TRANSFER NEWS: The Stormers have bolstered their front row stocks.

Springbok loosehead prop Ntuthuko Mchunu has signed with the Cape franchise and will join the squad at the end of the current season.

The Stormers were in the market for a powerhouse prop and even more so after Steven Kitshoff announced his retirement due to a serious neck injury.

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⛈️ A force of nature in the front row. Ntuthuko Mchunu joins our squad next season. #iamastormer pic.twitter.com/6qDuQfv811

— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) March 4, 2025

Mchunu made his Springbok debut against Wales in 2022, along with future Stormers teammates Evan Roos and Deon Fourie.

The powerful 25-year-old, who is currently playing for the Sharks, has been earmarked as one of the rising stars of South African rugby and will be looking to take the next step in his career in Cape Town.

He will add to the depth in the Stormers front row and compete with the likes of Ali Vermaak, Sti Sithole and Vernon Matongo for the No.1 jersey next season.

#REACTION: ‘He will always remain a warrior’: Rassie pays tribute to Kitsie 👇#SouthAfrica #Springboks #RassieErasmus https://t.co/Lvdds1kjOX

— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) February 25, 2025

Director of Rugby John Dobson said that Mchunu’s signing is an exciting one for several reasons.

“Ntuthuko has played rugby at the highest level at a very young age and we are really looking forward to seeing him develop his game further here.

“He can be devastating in loose play as a really athletic loosehead and working with the likes of Frans Malherbe and Neethling Fouche each week can only make him a better prop.

“At just 25 the future is bright for Ntuthuko and we are thrilled that he decided this was the best place for him to realise that considerable potential,” he said.

Mchunu said that is looking forward to starting this new chapter of his career in Cape Town.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to work with some of the best players and coaches around and take my game to the next level.

“The Stormers environment seems a special one from the outside and I want to get involved and contribute everything I can when I join at the end of the season,” he said.