Stormers Turn to Retired Star After Losing 3 Hookers to Injury
- The Stormers have turned to an unexpected option after three hookers suffered injuries during their 52-40 victory over the Scarlets
- A retired Stormers veteran has returned to training, but his involvement in Saturday’s clash against Ulster is not guaranteed
- The Cape side is also assessing its captain’s fitness as the coaching staff work through several important selection decisions
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The Stormers have called on retired hooker Scarra Ntubeni as they face a shortage of front-row options ahead of their United Rugby Championship (URC) clash with Ulster on Saturday, 31 October 2026.
Skills coach Labeeb Levy confirmed on Tuesday, 27 October, that the 35-year-old had returned to training after stepping away from playing. The move follows injuries to three hookers during the Stormers’ 52-40 victory over the Scarlets on Saturday, 24 October.
Ntubeni is not guaranteed to feature at DHL Stadium, as the coaching staff consider him emergency cover while they assess their remaining options.
“Have we sent Scat an SOS call? Yes, we did. He’s just come into training,” Levy told the media, according to SA Rugby Magazine.
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Scarra Ntubeni provides emergency cover
Vernon Paulo and youngster Altus Rabe are among the available hooker options. Ntubeni could provide additional cover if another player is injured during training.
“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,” Levy explained.
André-Hugo Venter sustained an elbow injury against the Scarlets, Deon Fourie injured his hamstring, while Lukhanyo Vokozela requires another head injury assessment.
Levy confirmed that Fourie would miss the Ulster fixture. He said hamstring injuries typically require four to six weeks of recovery, though it can take longer. The Stormers are also considering other options, with JJ Kotzé still suspended.
Ruhan Nel fitness update ahead of Ulster clash
Stormers captain Ruhan Nel could return against Ulster after missing the past two weeks with a calf injury. The centre remains in contention, and his training performance will help determine whether he is ready to play.
Skills coach Labeeb Levy said Nel has been given every opportunity to prove his fitness and is eager to return to the field. The coaching staff are expected to make a final decision after assessing his condition.
Meanwhile, Scarra Ntubeni’s return to training gives the Stormers another option amid their hooker shortage. However, his involvement on Saturday will depend on how preparations unfold and whether the squad suffers any further injuries.
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Stormers centre Jonathan Roche sets sights on Springboks
Briefly News previously reported that Stormers centre Jonathan Roche has attracted international interest but remains focused on representing South Africa rather than Ireland or Zimbabwe.
The 23-year-old has reportedly declined approaches from both countries as he pursues his Springboks ambitions.
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Source: Briefly News
