Bottom Line: Ntuthuko Mchunu is a 26-year-old South African rugby sensation who transformed from a back-row player to become one of the country’s most promising loosehead props, earning Springbok caps and recently signing with the DHL Stormers for 2025.
Early Life and Education
Ntuthuko Mchunu was born on 5 April 1999, making him 26 years old as of 2025. He attended high school at Maritzburg College in Pietermaritzburg, where he was Head Boy in his Matric year of 2018. This prestigious achievement made him only the second black head boy in the school’s history, a moment his family celebrated with immense pride.
Mchunu’s rugby journey began differently than most props. Originally playing as a No 8, he made the transition from back-row to loosehead prop early in his career, a path that has drawn inevitable comparisons to Springbok legend Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira.
Physical Attributes and Playing Style
Standing at 1.88 meters tall (6 ft 2 in) and weighing 120 kg (264.55 lb), Mchunu possesses the ideal build for a modern prop. His unique background as a former back-row player gives him exceptional mobility and ball-handling skills that set him apart from traditional front-row forwards.
Known for his power and dominance in the scrum, Mchunu displays excellent ball-carrying abilities, making him a formidable force on the field. His athleticism became legendary when he gained attention and became a viral sensation for his remarkable try against the Lions in March 2021, displaying his speed and agility by running from just inside his own half to score a sensational try.
Professional Career Journey
The Sharks Era (2019-2025)
Mchunu made his Super Rugby debut in 2019 for the Sharks and quickly established himself as a rising star. He made his Sharks debut in Round 1 of the Pro14 Rainbow Cup SA competition against the Stormers, marking the beginning of what would become an impressive provincial career.
Due to his consistent impressive performances, Mchunu was rewarded with a new contract from the Sharks in December 2021, committing to the team until 2024. During his time with the Sharks, he developed into one of South Africa’s most promising props, though he often found himself competing for starting positions behind established internationals.
International Recognition
Mchunu’s meteoric rise reached its pinnacle when he made his Springbok debut against Wales in 2022 at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. He has earned his third Test cap and continues to be viewed as a crucial part of South Africa’s future.
The young prop has embraced the comparisons to Mtawarira while maintaining his own identity. “It’s a massive thing being called Beast 2.0, but I just want to create my own legacy,” Mchunu has stated, showing maturity beyond his years.
The Move to Stormers
In a significant career development, his move to the Stormers was announced in March 2025 at the end of the season. Mchunu will join the Stormers after struggling for regular starting opportunities at the Sharks, where he played behind World Cup-winning Ox Nche.
Director of Rugby John Dobson expressed excitement about the signing, noting that “Ntuthuko has played rugby at the highest level at a very young age” and praising his ability to be “devastating in loose play as a really athletic loosehead.”
Future Prospects
At just 26 years old, Mchunu represents the future of South African rugby. His combination of size, athleticism, and technical skill makes him a valuable asset for both the Stormers and the Springboks. He will compete with Ali Vermaak, Sti Sithole and Vernon Matongo for the No.1 jersey at his new franchise.
Mchunu himself is optimistic about the move, stating it’s “a fantastic opportunity to work with some of the best players and coaches around and take my game to the next level.”
With his unique skill set and determination to forge his own path, Ntuthuko Mchunu is poised to become a cornerstone of South African rugby for years to come.
