Smith locked-in with Stormers to 2027

Lock Adré Smith has signed a contract extension that will keep him in Stormers colours until at least 2027.

The hard-working second rower joins teammates Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Dan du Plessis, Ruben van Heerden, Evan Roos, Manie Libbok and Suleiman Hartzenberg in confirming a new three-year contract.

Having joined the Stormers in 2021, Smith has featured prominently in all three seasons of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship and is set to build on that foundation over the next three seasons.

Known for his uncompromising physicality and impressive work-rate, the 27-year-old has become a vital cog in the Stormers' engine room.

Director of Rugby John Dobson said that he expects Smith to develop his game even further over the next three seasons.

"Adré has what it takes to be a world-class second-row forward and we are all excited to see him continue to grow and reach his considerable potential.

"At over two metres tall he has the physical attributes to mix it with any opponent up front and there are few players who are more committed to the cause.

"He will have an important role to play in our team over the next three years and with the list of long-term extensions growing all the time we have every reason to be excited about where this team can get to," he said.

Smith said that he wants to make the most of the next three seasons within the Stormers environment.

"Since moving here three years ago I have taken my game to another level and I want to continue on that path within this system.

"I want to keep playing to my strengths and also adding more to my game to give back to the people here who have shown so much faith in my abilities," he said.