Ernst Stapelberg’s biography, fact, career, awards, net worth and life story

Theo Ernst Stapelberg (born (1995-02-06)6 February 1995) is a South African rugby union player who last played for the Cheetahs in Pro14, the Free State Cheetahs in the Currie Cup and the Free State XV in the Rugby Challenge. His regular position is fly-half.

Rugby career

Youth rugby

Stapelberg was born in Bloemfontein, but grew up in Port Elizabeth. He represented Eastern Province throughout his school career, playing for them at the Under-13 Craven Week in 2008, the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week in 2011 and the Under-18 Craven Week tournaments in both 2012 and 2013.

After school, Stapelberg moved to Cape Town to join the Western Province academy. He was the top scorer in the 2014 Under-19 Provincial Championship with 175 points, helping Western Province to the title, scoring 18 points in the final against the Blue Bulls U19. He progressed through the age groups, playing for the Western Province U21 team in 2015 and also representing university side Maties in the Varsity Cup.

Western Province

Stapelberg made his first class debut in 2017, coming on as a replacement in Western Province’s 35–28 victory over neighbours Boland Cavaliers in the 2018 Rugby Challenge, and made a further two appearances as a replacement in the competition.

Free State Cheetahs

In August 2017, Stapelberg moved to Bloemfontein to join the Free State Cheetahs. He made his Currie Cup debut for the Cheetahs against former side Western Province in their Round Nine clash in the Currie Cup Premier Division, and was drafted into the Cheetahs Pro14 squad, making his debut in that competition a week later, kicking seven conversions in a 54–39 victory over Italian side Zebre. He started their next matches in that competition, scoring 72 points in total, and also made a further appearance for the Free State Cheetahs in the Currie Cup.

In 2018, Stapelberg made eight starts for the Free State XV in the 2018 Rugby Challenge, top scoring for his side with 61 points.