Stormers get reinforcements from Kimberley

TRANSFER NEWS: The Stormers will be bolstering their squad with some talent from Kimberley ahead of the 2024/2025 United Rugby Championship season.

A group of Griquas players will join the Stormers squad for their pre-season preparations as part of the development agreement between the two teams.

The agreement, announced earlier this year, enables players to move easily between the two squads to their mutual benefit via a loan structure.

It also includes collaboration on staff development, providing opportunities for staff to learn from one another and share best practices.

This partnership has seen various Stormers players such as Sazi Sandi and Connor Evans get valuable game time in Griquas colours this year and with the Kimberley team’s Currie Cup campaign now concluded there are a few players who will join the Stormers squad as they prepare for the upcoming United Rugby Championship.

Fullback Connor Mahoney, lock Dylan Sjoblom and prop Leon Lyons have all joined the Stormers squad already as preparations for the upcoming campaign step up, with wing Dylan Maart, loose forward Marco de Witt and prop Cebo Dlamini set to join them at a later stage.

Wing and Springbok Sevens star Sako Makata has returned to the Stormers fold, having played for the Griquas in the Currie Cup on loan as part of the agreement.

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Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson said that it is fantastic to see the agreement working for both teams as well as players based in Cape Town and Kimberley.

“It was so valuable for some of our players to get some game time for the Griquas in the SA Cup earlier this year and now we see the agreement working the other way as we ramp up preparations for the URC, which is three weeks away.

“We have seen some stand-out performances from these six players in the Currie Cup and we are looking forward to working with them to see what they can add in our system.

“This is an important step forward in this partnership we have formed with Griquas, and we are looking forward to seeing it grow further in the future,” he said.

Griquas CEO Arni van Rooyen said that this collaboration is a prime example of how working relationships can foster growth and excellence in South African rugby.

“By leveraging each other’s strengths, resources, and expertise, both teams benefit from a shared pool of talent and knowledge.

“This synergy not only enhances their competitive edge but also contributes to the overall development of players and the game itself.

“The partnership underscores the value of unity and cooperation in achieving common goals and driving success on and off the field,” he added.