Englishman slowly turning into a Capetonian
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former England Under-20 international Ben Loader is all too happy to learn Afrikaans and win trophies at the Stormers.
Loader made his first Stormers start at the weekend against Scarlets.
The 24-year-old was very impressive, scoring a try during the 52-7 win over the Welsh side in Stellenbosch.
He has been selected for the Stormers 29-man travelling squad, which will face Glasgow Warriors, Benetton Treviso, Munster and Cardiff on consecutive weekends over the next month.
Speaking to the reporters from their base in Scotland, Loader said: “It’s nice to be back here, closer to home.
“But definitely missing the weather in Cape Town.”
“Ellis Park was difficult, but Saturday was a great day out. Put in a good performance and to get a try was special.”
The utility back revealed he is hard at work learning the Afrikaans language in an effort to feel more at home and to sharpen up his defence.
“My understanding is getting better. It’s coming along, I’m still working on the pronunciation and how to speak it.
“But we managed”
Loader said former Lions wing Courtnall Skosan has made his move from England to Cape Town a little bit easier.
Loader and Skosan are the new guys in the squad, with Skosan joining from Northampton Saints and Loader from London Irish at the start of the season, respectively.
“Skosan is my roommate. He is brilliant. We chat a lot and having both been in the Premiership and him coming from the Lions and playing for the Springboks, he is a guy I look up to.
“He has helped with the transition, along with all the other guys. They have brought me into the team and getting me up to speed.
“They have really welcomed me to South Africa.”
The duo add extra firepower to a backline that already features the likes of Warrick Gelant, Herschel Jantjies and recently crowned World Cup champions Manie Libbok and Damian Willemse.
“It is a hugely exciting backline to be part of. You never know what they going to do and they are able to create magic from anywhere on the pitch.
“Libbok and Willemse did such a nice job at the World Cup and I bet they will be well-rested and eager to get back.”
Despite being in South Africa, the young utility back harbours hope of playing for England, with the 2027 World Cup in mind.
“Growing up in England every young kid wants to play for their country and that dream is not dead at all.
“I’m out of the Premiership and out of contention at the moment, but I think coming over here to South Africa playing against the best and with the best in the World can only be a good thing.
“So my focus is to perform well for this team and to win trophies and whatever comes alongside that is only a bonus.”
