Multi-year deal for one of Stormers' leading men

NEWS: Lock Ruben van Heerden has committed to the Stormers until at least 2027.

The imposing second row joined the Stormers set-up in the middle of last season and has quickly established himself as a vital cog in the forward pack.

Able to play in either the No.4 or No.5 jersey, Van Heerden has stepped up this season and taken responsibility for calling the line-outs, as well as making more tackles in the  United Rugby Championship than any other player, with 185.

Director of Rugby John Dobson said that it made sense to add Van Heerden’s name to the growing list of players who are committed to the team until 2027.

“Ruben has been a great addition and has really been a key player over the last 18 months, so we are very happy that he will be with us for at least three more years.

“He has shown impressive leadership qualities this season in calling the line-outs and was rightly rewarded with his inclusion in the recent Springbok alignment camp.

“We look forward to seeing where Ruben can take his game within our system over the next three seasons,” he said.

Van Heerden said that the Stormers’ environment has allowed him to take his game to the next level, which made it an easy decision to commit to a long-term contract.

“I could not be happier with where my rugby is going and the new life that I have in Cape Town.

“This is a special group of players and coaches here and I want to be part of what is coming next for this team,” he said.