Nine URC winners among Stormers extensions

The DHL Stormers have secured a key group of players on contract extensions ahead of the 26/27 season, with nine Vodacom URC winners among those committing their futures to the blue and white.

Off the back of a strong 25/26 campaign – one that opened with ten straight wins – the DHL Stormers are busy putting in the work for the new campaign, which kicks off at the end of September.

Last season they pushed eventual Vodacom URC champions Leinster to the limit in a hard-fought Semi-Final, and gave RC Toulon everything they had in a tense away Investec Champions Cup thriller. The ambition is clear, and this group is determined to go even further next season.

Ruhan Nel, Deon Fourie, Seabelo Senatla, Leolin Zas, Marcel Theunissen, Hacjivah Dayimani, Warrick Gelant, Adré Smith and JJ Kotzé – all title winners from the 22/23 season who have 767 DHL Stormers caps between them – are committed to the cause and ready to push for more.

In addition to this, the next generation of stars are poised to make their presence felt in the senior ranks.

Springbok prop Zachary Porthen, loosehead Vernon Matongo and centre Josh Boulle have also signed extensions after coming through the Stormers Rugby system.

The 22-year-old Porthen is one of four former Junior Springboks captains in the current squad – alongside Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Paul de Villiers and Riley Norton – and earned his sixth Springbok cap in the opening Test against New Zealand.

Matongo is coming off a breakthrough season in the front row, and the hard-hitting Boulle – having overcome some injury setbacks – is set to make an impact in midfield this season.

Director of Rugby John Dobson knows what this group means for the campaign ahead.

“We made several high-profile signings and announced extensions of some important players last season, and the retention of this group gives us real depth in our squad,” he said.

“There are exciting young players coming through our system who challenge for places all the time, and they find themselves sharing a changeroom with seasoned campaigners who understand what it takes and what it means to play for this team.

“This group gives our squad a strong foundation of quality players who have been successful at this level and delivered consistently for us over the years.

“When you consider that we have increased our presence in the Springbok set-up, it is clear that we have created an environment for the young talent to thrive and grow as part of Project 2029,” he added.