Stormers retain nine URC winners as ‘Project 2029’ gathers pace

The Stormers have secured the futures of a key group of players ahead of the 26/27 season, with nine members of their 22/23 Vodacom URC-winning squad agreeing contract extensions.

The club is building on a strong 25/26 campaign, which began with 10 consecutive victories, as preparations continue for the new season. The Stormers’ campaign is scheduled to begin at the end of September.

They narrowly missed out on a place in the Vodacom URC final last season after pushing eventual champions Leinster to the limit in a fiercely contested semi-final. They also came close to producing a major result against RC Toulon in a tense away Investec Champions Cup match.

The Stormers’ ambition is to go further next season, and they have retained a group with extensive experience of success at the highest level.

Ruhan Nel, Deon Fourie, Seabelo Senatla, Leolin Zas, Marcel Theunissen, Hacjivah Dayimani, Warrick Gelant, Adre Smith and JJ Kotze have all committed to the club. Collectively, the nine players have made 767 appearances for the Stormers and were all part of the side that won the title in the 22/23 season.

Alongside that experience, the Stormers are also preparing to promote more players developed within their own system.

Springbok prop Zachary Porthen, loosehead Vernon Matongo and centre Josh Boulle have each signed extensions after progressing through the Stormers Rugby pathway.

Porthen, 22, is one of four former Junior Springboks captains in the current squad. He is joined in that group by Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Paul de Villiers and Riley Norton.

The prop won his sixth Springbok cap in the opening Test against New Zealand.

Matongo is coming off a breakthrough campaign in the front row, while Boulle is expected to bring further strength to midfield after overcoming a series of injury setbacks.

Director of Rugby John Dobson said retaining the group would provide the Stormers with a strong platform for the season 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 change room 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.