Newly-appointed skipper vows to take Stormers to next level
SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers are focused on one thing as they prepare for the new United Rugby Championship season – bringing silverware back to Cape Town.
The Capetonians open their 2026/27 campaign with two challenging away fixtures against Connacht on September 25 and Edinburgh on October 2, before returning home for a coastal derby against the Sharks at DHL Stadium on October 10.
After spending much of last season at the summit of the URC table, the Stormers eventually fell short in the semifinals, suffering an 11-20 defeat to eventual champions Leinster.
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Now, with Ruhan Nel appointed captain for the new season, the experienced centre believes the side has learned valuable lessons from that painful defeat.
Speaking at the Stormers’ 2026/27 jersey launch, Nel admitted there is pressure to improve – but insisted the squad is more excited about what lies ahead than burdened by expectations.
The last time the Stormers secured silverware was in the 2021/22 season, when they lifted the URC title for the first time.
They were also crowned URC South African Shield Champions in 2021/22 and 2022/23.
“Looking back on the season, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Stormers team that’s been one or two on the log during the entire regular season,” said Nel, who was named captain for the 2026/27 season.
“Unfortunately, we fell short in that semifinal.
“But look at small moments in that semifinal line-out. It could have gone, depending on what jersey you wear; you’ll say the call could have gone forward against us.
“But two minutes can cost you a season there.”
Nel said the Stormers’ biggest lesson from last season was the importance of being more clinical in crucial moments.
“I chatted about it last season as well. There are so many times we actually got held up over the line.
“You do all the hard work to get into the 22, and then it’s one reckless decision or one soft moment that actually pins you back in your own 22, where you should have come up with five points there.
“So, I guess it’s just about being a little bit more clinical.”
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The Stormers skipper believes the squad has set high expectations after their impressive campaign last season.
“We did set some very high expectations for ourselves to obviously see if we can replicate last season in terms of just that start that we had.
“And then obviously just looking to finish off the season potentially with a final and bring that URC trophy back home.
“So, I think more exciting times ahead than actually feeling the pressure.”
The Stormers also showed glimpses of their potential when they faced the All Blacks during the Greatest Rivalry Series on August 7.
Although the Cape Town-based franchise suffered a 21-38 defeat, they impressed with their physicality, set-piece dominance and ability to put the visitors under pressure.
Nel believes the performance provided plenty of positives despite the result.
“I don’t think you are supposed to be in the All Black side with two weeks or three weeks of preparation.
“Look, we gave it a good crack. But in the same breath, these guys were also just finding their feet for the first game on tour. I think it’s a vastly different style they’re playing now. They look at the Test match likely towards what they were playing against us.
“But obviously, there’s a lot of positives. I think our move functioned pretty well in that game. Our scrum.
“That’s what we’ve become known for. The Stormers are always built upon a strong defensive system. Really strong set-pieces, you know.
“And obviously on our transition game there as well.”
With a new captain, a fresh jersey and another demanding URC campaign on the horizon, the Stormers have made their intentions clear: last season’s semifinal heartbreak is not the destination – it is the motivation to take the next step and chase the trophy.
