Siyabonga “Scarra” Ntubeni

Western Province hooker Siyabonga “Scarra” Ntubeni has been called up to the South African touring squad in place of the injured Robbie Coetzee.

It will be Ntubeni’s second stint withy the natiobnal team, as he was a Springbok tourist in November last year – without getting a cap.

Ntubeni, who is currently in London with Province, will join the Bok squad in the English capital after their match against Saracens on Sunday.

Coetzee will return to South Africa in the coming days.

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“Robbie has been struggling with a pinched nerve in his neck for a few months,” said Springbok team doctor Craig Roberts.

“It flared up again after our training session on Tuesday [this week] and he was withdrawn from all training for the rest of the week.

“We also consulted with the Golden Lions’ medical team and reviewed his scans. ‘

After seeking specialist opinions it was decided that, due to his current functional impairment, it was in his best interests for the long term to withdraw him from the tour.”