Scarra Ntubeni has come out of retirement amid a crisis at hooker for the Stormers, who have received mixed news on the availability of Ruhan Nel and Deon Fourie this week.
Skills coach Labeed Levy confirmed on Tuesday that the 35-year-old Ntubeni is available for selection for Saturday’s round-five URC clash against Ulster at Cape Town Stadium.
Ntubeni, who last played for the Stormers XXIII in a similar role during the 2026 Currie Cup, is third choice at hooker behind Vernon Paulo and youngster Altus Rabe.
The club lost three hookers to injury in last week’s 52-40 win over the Scarlets – Fourie (hamstring), André-Hugo Venter (elbow) and Lukhanyo Vokozela, who must undergo another HIA, although Levy is not optimistic about his chances of being available.
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He described Ntubeni as a stop-gap option while director of rugby John Dobson also looks at other options, with JJ Kotzé still suspended.
“Have we sent Scat an SOS call? Yes, we did. He’s just come into training,” Levy told the media. “We’ve got Vernon, who’s been training and playing as well, and then also the young Rabe, who’s played in the Currie Cup.
“Scarra’s possibly the third one, in case there’s an injury in our training today, or on the captain’s run.”
On Ntubeni’s fitness, he added: “He was in retirement. He trained a few weeks ago, but he’s just a stop-gap – a medical joker if you can call it that, in case something happens.
“But we’re looking around … we just need to get through this one.”
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Levy confirmed Fourie, one of several Springboks in doubt for Rassie Erasmus’ Nations Championship squad, will not play this weekend but the medical report he has seen indicates no operation is required.
“The hamstring is a tricky one. It’s normally four to six weeks, sometimes longer,” he explained.
“It needs conservative management and treatment, as well as going through all the various rehab protocols.”
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Nel has watched from the sidelines for the last two weeks due to a calf niggle, but Levy said the club captain is “very much a part of the discussion” for Saturday.
“He’s being given the best possible chance to play this week.
“He’ll train this afternoon and then decisions will be made based on that. He spoke to me this morning. He’s quite keen. He’s lus vir die ding, so there’s a strong chance.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Scarra answers Stormers’ SOS call appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Scarra Ntubeni has come out of retirement amid a crisis at hooker for the Stormers, who have received mixed news on the availability of Ruhan Nel and Deon Fourie this week.
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