Ntuthuko Mchunu Springbok prop Ntuthuko Mchunu will hope to rejuvenate his career and return to the Test arena with his move to the Stormers from the Sharks. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
It was one of the worst-kept secrets in South African rugby, but now it’s official: Ntuthuko Mchunu will be playing for the Stormers next season.
The Cape franchise announced on Tuesday that the Springbok loosehead prop will be leaving the Sharks and moving to the Mother City at the end of the current season.
Mchunu will arrive at the Stormers as the chief replacement for stalwart front-rower Steven Kitshoff, who announced his retirement last week due to a serious neck injury.
The 25-year-old Mchunu, who was a hard-running No 8 at school before shifting to prop at the Sharks, will hope to clinch the No 1 jersey next season ahead of the likes of Ali Vermaak, Sti Sithole and youngster Vernon Matongo.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to work with some of the best players and coaches around and take my game to the next level,” Mchunu said in a Stormers statement on Tuesday.
“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.”
Mchunu made his Springbok debut against Wales in 2022, and has three Test caps to his name.
But with the emergence of Ox Nche, Gerhard Steenekamp and Jan-Hendrik Wessels in recent seasons, Mchunu has fallen out of the Bok picture.
He will hope, though, that a move to the Stormers will rejuvenate his career, and more regular game-time could see him back in the national team.
“Ntuthuko has played rugby at the highest level at a very young age, and we are looking forward to seeing him develop his game further here,” Stormers director of rugby John Dobson said on Tuesday.
“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.”
Mchunu will complete the season with the Sharks, and is likely to be involved in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash against the Lions at Kings Park (2pm kick-off), having worn the No 1 jersey in the 38-14 defeat to the same opposition in Johannesburg last weekend.