Explosive ‘Scarra’ on Kings radar
Talks have started to explore the possibility of bringing explosive Western Province and Stormers hooker Scarra Ntubeni to Port Elizabeth to play for the Isuzu Southern Kings.
East London-born Ntubeni is on a list of players sent to various unions who Western Province are prepared to either loan or sell.
The WP Rugby Union is struggling financially and is under pressure to cut its budget.
Players on the list who left after the Currie Cup are Ntubeni, Chris van Zyl, Reuben de Villiers, Nama Xaba, Josh Stander, David Brits, Nico Leonard, Duncan Saal and Craig Barry.
“There is always a soft spot for Scarra because he comes from this region and he is playing outstanding rugby,” Kings head coach Deon Davids said.
“We will have to speak to our franchise neighbours and hope they have a soft heart for the Kings to take us forward.
“We have had a chat to Scarra and it was a good talk.”
The Kings are on the lookout for a hooker due to Michael Willemse’s shoulder injury. With Willemse out, Alandre van Rooyen has been elevated to the starting line-up in the number two Kings jersey.
Ntubeni debuted for both Western Province and the Stormers in 2011, but it wasn’t until the 2012 Currie Cup that he established himself as a first team member. He was instrumental when the team lifted the Currie Cup for the 33rd time. In 2013, he was included in a 30man squad for SA’s rugby union Tests against France, Scotland and Wales – though he did not play.
In 2016, he was included in a 31-man South African squad for their three-Test match series against a touring Ireland team.
He also joined the SA ‘A’ squad for their series against a touring England Saxons team.