Stormers manager John Dobson said the team will need to do some recruiting and had signed the most talented looseheads in the nation after Steven Kitshoff retired from professional rugby due to a serious neck injury.
Since making his Test debut against Wales in Bloemfontein in 2022, the 25-year-old has made three appearances for the Springboks and has been a reliable player for the Sharks.
But with World Cup champion and Springboks star Ox Nche further up the hierarchy, he has struggled to get playing time at the Durban-based team.
Mchunu has been identified as a genuine rugby potential for South Africa and will be looking to take the next step in his career in Cape Town from next season.
Along with individuals like Ali Vermaak, Sti Sithole, and Vernon Matongo, Mchunu provides depth to the scrum’s loosehead side, as Brok Harris will be joining Kitshoff in retirement at the end of the season.
“Red-headed nightmare” is the opinion. As the “lethal weapon” of the Bomb Squad bows out, Steven Kitshoff altered our perception of the greats.
“We are really looking forward to seeing Ntuthuko develop his game further here,” rugby director Dobson stated. “He has played rugby at the highest level from a very young age.”
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.”
The Stormers’ new signing added: “This is a fantastic opportunity to work with some of the best players and coaches around and take my game to the next level.
“The DHL 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.”
It is reported that Bok front-rower Lizo Gqoboka will also leave the Stormers at the end of the season after not being offered a contract extension while the franchise is reportedly interested in Corne Lavagna who plies his trade with Griquas.
The Stormers are also set to bid farewell to scrum-half Hershel Jantjies who has signed with French club Bayonne while Joseph Dweba is likely to join Exeter Chiefs.
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