One cap Springboks: Scara Ntubeni
In another edition of Springboks who retired with only one cap, we look back at Scara Ntubeni’s achievements and contributions to the game.
There is a lengthy list of players who have retired after earning just one cap for the Springboks, but there are also a few who are still playing professionally as they seek to add to that solitary appearance at international level.
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Hard-working hooker and fan favourite, Scarra Ntubeni, first joined the Stormers over 10 years ago, having come through the junior ranks at the Golden Lions.
Ever since 2010, though, Ntubeni has been part of the Western Province rugby set up, and recently racked up 100 Stormers appearances.
During this time, he has established himself as one of the true legends of WP and Stormers rugby, having found the means to consistently make an impact on the domestic scene despite not boasting the sort of physical attributes that many other modern day hookers possess.
Known as one of rugby’s genuine ‘nice guys’, Ntubeni is also one of the most popular players off the pitch, beloved for his sense of humour and laidback demeanour.
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THE STORMERS STAR WAS EVENTUALLY REWARDED WITH A CAP FOR THE SPRINGBOKS
Notably, Ntubeni was included in the 30-man Springboks squad for South Africa’s 2013 end-of-year tour against France, Scotland and Wales in November. However, he did not play in any of the matches.
Three years later, Ntubeni was included in a 31-man South Africa squad for their three-match series against a touring Ireland team. After training with the national team for a few days, he joined the South Africa ‘A’ squad for their two-match series against a touring England Saxons team, featuring in a losing cause.
At this point, it may have seemed that the burly hooker may never realise his Springbok dream, but in 2019, Rassie Erasmus saw value in calling him up to feature as part of the wider Bok group in the lead up to the World Cup.
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SPECIAL MOMENT
On 17 August 2019, he came off the bench against Argentina, with the Boks eventually emerging as 24-18 victors, with many also celebrating Ntubeni’s long awaited Test debut.
Now 32 years old, it’s unlikely Ntubeni will feature for the Springboks again, but he will undoubtedly cherish that solitary Test cap.