The journey from schoolboy rugby to Springbok colors is a path that few South African players successfully navigate. For Ntuthuko Mchunu, this dream became reality in spectacular fashion, transforming from a promising loose forward at Maritzburg College to a formidable loosehead prop earning international recognition.
Early Foundation at Maritzburg College
Born on April 5, 1999, Mchunu’s rugby foundations were laid at the prestigious Maritzburg College in Pietermaritzburg, where he excelled both academically and on the rugby field. In his final year of high school in 2018, he held the prestigious position of Head Boy, demonstrating leadership qualities that would later serve him well in professional rugby.
Mchunu’s elevation to Springbok status marked a significant milestone for his alma mater – he became the school’s first forward to earn national colors since 1937. This achievement broke a remarkable 85-year tradition, as Maritzburg College had produced only backs for the national team in the professional era, including notable flyhalves Joel Stransky, Butch James, and Peter Grant.
The Strategic Position Switch
What makes Mchunu’s story particularly compelling is his successful transition from the back row to front row rugby. After making the shift from loose forward to front row after leaving school, Mchunu could complete the journey in remarkable time. This positional change, which occurred approximately five years ago, parallels the career path of Springbok legend Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira, who made a similar transition early in his career.
Mchunu’s development from a No 8 of considerable ability to a loose-head prop of Springbok potential may surprise everyone else, but not those who’ve watched his career at close quarters. His physical attributes – standing 1.88 meters tall and weighing 120 kilograms – provided the perfect foundation for front row excellence.
Professional Breakthrough with the Sharks
Mchunu made his debut for the Sharks in the opening round of the Pro14 Rainbow Cup SA against the Stormers, marking the beginning of his professional rugby career. His impact was immediate and electrifying. The young prop gained widespread attention through his remarkable athleticism and pace, qualities rarely associated with front row forwards.
Mchunu gained attention and became a viral sensation for his remarkable try against the Lions in March 2021. In that match, he displayed his speed and agility by running from just inside his own half to score a sensational try. This spectacular effort showcased his unique combination of size, speed, and ball-handling skills that set him apart from traditional props.
His performances continued to impress throughout his Sharks tenure. The mobile 24-year-old prop recorded an impressive brace of tries in the 29-21 victory over the Lions in 2023, which booked a home Currie Cup semi-final for the Hollywoodbets Sharks, demonstrating his consistent ability to contribute in attack.
International Recognition and Springbok Debut
The powerful 25-year-old made his Springbok debut against Wales in 2022, along with future DHL Stormers teammates Evan Roos and Deon Fourie. This debut represented the culmination of years of hard work and strategic development. Mchunu is one of six new debutants that will make their first appearance for the Springboks after head coach Jacques Nienaber surprised all earlier this week with a radically changed matchday 23.
The comparisons to Beast Mtawarira were inevitable, given their similar career trajectories and physical attributes. However, Mchunu has consistently emphasized his desire to forge his own legacy. “It’s a massive thing being called Beast 2.0 but I just want to create my own legacy,” he said. Despite the comparisons, he acknowledges the mentorship value, noting that Mtawarira “has been a great mentor. More in terms of off-the-field stuff and coming into the system similarly to how he came into the system”.
Playing Style and Technical Excellence
Known for his power and dominance in the scrum, Mchunu has drawn comparisons to legendary Springbok and Sharks prop Tendai Mtawarira. He displays excellent ball-carrying abilities, making him a force to be reckoned with on the field. His statistics reflect this versatility, with impressive numbers in ball-carrying, tackle success rates, and scrum effectiveness.
Mchunu’s numbers for the season so far record 250m gained; 57 carries; 15 defenders beaten; two clean breaks; 90 tackles made and eight missed; one turnover; two try assists and two tries. He has played 857 minutes and was also a part of a Sharks pack that won 93% of their scrums in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
Future Prospects and New Challenges
Mchunu has been earmarked as one of the rising stars of South African rugby and will be looking to take the next step in his career in Cape Town. In March 2025, his move to the DHL Stormers was announced for the end of the season, representing a new chapter in his professional career.
This transition to the Stormers provides Mchunu with fresh challenges and opportunities for continued development. “Ntuthuko has played rugby at the highest level at a very young age and we are really looking forward to seeing him develop his game further here,” said Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson.
At just 26 years old, Mchunu’s journey from Maritzburg College’s rugby fields to international recognition exemplifies the power of strategic career transitions, consistent performance, and unwavering determination. His story continues to unfold as he seeks to establish himself as a cornerstone of South African rugby’s future, writing his own unique chapter in the sport’s rich history.
