Stormers flank hangs up his boots

NEWS: Stormers loose forward Dave Ewers has decided to hang up his playing boots.

The 34-year-old Zimbabwean-born player announced his retirement on social media after the Stormers’ season ended with a defeat to Glasgow in their United Rugby Championship quarterfinal in Scotland.

Ewers joined the Stormers on a short-term contract ahead of the 2024/25. He notched up nine appearances for the Capetonians this season with his last outing coming against Cardiff in the final round of the URC.

He was a stalwart for Exeter Chiefs between 2010 and 2023 and he was part of the team that won the Champions Cup and Premiership double in 2020. He spent one season at Ulster before he headed to Cape Town.

 

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“And just like that, it’s time to hang up the old boots,” said Ewers.

“Found it hard to sum up my career, the incredible people I’ve met and experiences I’ve had, into some pictures and a caption.

“But I would like to express how grateful I am and how God has blessed me so abundantly.

“Can’t thank my family for everything they’ve done for me, from the beginning driving all over Devon and beyond, leaving hours before everyone else just to get there on time because we had no idea where we were going.

“All the cold and wet days you endured just to watch me, thank you.”

He added: “Feel so blessed to be finishing my career here in South Africa, it’s felt like home since I first arrived.

“A massive thank you to Dobbo [John Dobson] & agents @steven_kitshoff & @aimee_kitshoff [for] getting me down to Cape Town.

“Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would represent this amazing union & be lucky to finish my career off at home.

“This past year at the Stormers has been one of the best highlights in my career where although I’ve not played that much, I’ve fulfilled lifelong dreams of playing in the Currie Cup and representing a team that I’ve always wanted to play for.

“I wish my boy, Oden, could have been old enough to watch me play and remember it. It was always a dream to be able to run out for a game with him. But, along with the loved ones I’ve lost along the way, I hope I’ve done you all proud.

“Excited for what’s ahead for me business-wise, more on that later.

“But for now, thank you.”