Stormers Highlight Elite Talent in URC Championship and Springbok Caps

The DHL Stormers have successfully secured a core group of players with contract renewals ahead of the 2026/27 season, with nine Vodacom URC champions pledging their allegiance to the blue and white colors.

Following a triumphant 2025/26 season that kicked off with an outstanding series of 10 consecutive wins, the DHL Stormers are already gearing up for the upcoming season, which starts at the end of September.

In the previous year, they put up a fierce fight against the eventual Vodacom URC champions Leinster in a challenging semi-final and pushed RC Toulon to the limit in a tense away match during the Investec Champions Cup. Their determination is clear, and this squad is aiming for even greater achievements in the next season.

Ruhan Nel, Deon Fourie, Seabelo Senatla, Leolin Zas, Marcel Theunissen, Hacjivah Dayimani, Warrick Gelant, Adré Smith, and JJ Kotzé – all integral members of the title-winning side from the 2022/23 season, combining for a total of 767 DHL Stormers caps – have dedicated themselves to the cause and are keen to pursue further success.

Moreover, the next wave of talent is poised to make its mark within the senior team.

Springbok prop Zachary Porthen, loosehead Vernon Matongo, and centre Josh Boulle have also secured contract extensions after advancing through the Stormers Rugby development framework.

At just 22 years old, Porthen is one of four former Junior Springbok captains in the current lineup, alongside Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Paul de Villiers, and Riley Norton, having recently earned his sixth cap for the Springboks in the opening Test against New Zealand.

Matongo enters the new season after a breakout year in the front row, while the resilient centre Boulle, having overcome various injury setbacks, is eager to make a substantial impact in the midfield during the upcoming season.

Director of Rugby John Dobson recognizes the significance of this core group’s commitment for the coming campaign.

“In the past season, we made some influential signings and confirmed extensions for numerous key players, and maintaining this group intact grants us real squad depth,” he remarked.

“We have exciting young talents emerging from our system who consistently compete for spots in the team, alongside seasoned players who understand what it takes to wear this jersey and its significance.

“This group lays a solid foundation of high-caliber players who have found success at this level and have consistently delivered for us over the years.

“Given our increased representation in the Springbok setup, it’s clear that we’ve cultivated an environment where young talents can flourish and grow as part of Project 2029,” he concluded.