South African English Rugby commentator Paul Stubbs has been making a big name for himself and has made massive waves this past 8 years in the commentary box with his golden voice, charisma and dynamic way of calling games at stadiums all over South Africa.
Paul has a very unique story of being born in the United States of America from parents who left South Africa due to the Apartheid laws as they could not get married at the time. (It was illegal for a mixed race marriage at the time). He was born on the 9th January 1985 just outside New York City in a place called saffron. He spent the first 6 years of his life in the United states of America and returned to Cape town, South Africa in 1991.
Paul attended Bishops Primary school in Cape town and then moved to Grahamstown in Eastern Cape for High School and attended St Andrews College where he matriculated. After his school days he decided to move back to Cape town where he attended The University of Cape Town. He did a Bachelor of Arts in English, Film Studies, Media and Writing and graduated successfully from University of Cape Town.
Paul played a number of sports during his School and University days which included cricket, rugby and basketball. His favorite sport was rugby as he enjoyed the physicality, Intensity and speed of the game. His height and size often helped him when he played as he was very tall, big and fast.
Paul was also a rapper for an independent record label for a few years before going into commentary. Paul’s commentary career came about when Super Sport held a Super Sport challenge commentator competition and Paul entered this competition and was crowned the winner.
Paul told Telecom Asia Sport, the Journey to the top as a well-respected commentator began with winning the Super Sport rugby commentating competition.
I was sitting on my couch when I saw the late great Kaunda Ntjunja on my television, telling the public on an advert to audition for the Super Sport challenger commentator search. I decided to enter as having worked with my voice as a rapper and being a little obsessed with watching rugby, I felt I had the perfect skill set to apply.
Paul Stubbs, exclusively for Telecom Asia Sport
Paul got off the couch and headed to Newlands Rugby stadium for the auditions. He and his fellow finalists were put through the paces at the Super Sport challenge matches.
When they told me I’m the winner, I actually celebrated by doing a happy dance and I still recall doing my first live game with a mate of mine former Springbok, Gcobani bobo. I was very nervous, it was going live but I smiled and relaxed throughout the whole game. I actually did the craven week games before and then actually Super Sport challenge games.
Paul Stubbs
Why he loves commentating:
You show up and do the best you possibly can and respect all the players on the field. I Never thought in my wildest dreams I would be a commentator, but you make sure you show up every day and be part of it. “when you are on the outside it’s something you dream of but all of sudden a few years later you’re there.
Paul Stubbs
Last weekend Jean De Villiers was with me in the commentary box and you know I never ever thought I would be with him, but I say believe in yourself and all your dreams are possible.
Paul Stubbs
Predictions for this upcoming year of rugby in terms of The united rugby Championship and the Springboks.
That’s interesting in terms of the South African sides, the Sharks always seem like they well positioned with the players they have. Their difficulty is how many games their marquee players or springboks can actually play, so it’s difficult to say.
Paul Stubbs
The bulls have been going well this season and they have been building nicely and losing that final last year was a big opportunity lost for them and in the first season they made the final as well, so you feel that it’s going to pay off sometime for them in the future after 2 finals, So I feel the bulls can go all the way perhaps for a South African side.
Paul Stubbs
The Lions are always playing against the odds with the young squad they have so they can push for the playoffs perhaps and then the Stormers are on the rise as well and I won’t count them out.
Paul Stubbs
Overall if I had to predict a winner surely Leinster have to come right at some time, they are unbeaten and maybe this is their year, so im going to say Leinster to go all the way.
Paul Stubbs
With the regards to the Springboks, I Think the Springboks are the best in the world I will say the Boks will beat New Zealand and the Eden Park record will be broken, yes I feel they will do it; we are the greatest rugby nation so why not?
Paul Stubbs
We can beat New Zealand at Eden park and Im going to say yes we will do it and it will be another good year of rugby for the springboks. Hopefully I will get another chance to commentate on a game. I really enjoyed the Portugal test match in Bloemfontein Last year as it was my first official Springbok test and hopefully it won’t be the last. I enjoyed the atmosphere and vibe was just amazing in Bloemfontein.
Paul Stubbs
Paul Stubbs has become somewhat of a big fan favorite and that golden voice seems to have caught the South African rugby public and fans at large throughout the world. The connection he has built up with people on their couches at home will be around for many years to come. Paul is still relatively young at 40 years old, so there is plenty of years to come for him.
He is already a world class commentator, who has worked on the various competitions like e.g. The United Rugby Championship games, Springbok International test matches and international competitions which range from HSBC 7s, International Women’s rugby WXV and u20 World Championship rugby.
At the rugby next Rugby Wworld Cup down under in Australia in 2027, don’t be surprised to see the name Paul Stubbs doing some games at that level. He has certainly been primed for that level with all his excellent work he has been doing. All in all, what stands out about Paul is his humbleness, friendly personality and his willingness to learn from the more experienced rugby commentators and rugby journalists. One thing is for sure Paul will become a rugby commentary legend and he will always be loved wherever he goes.
