VIDEO: Stormers legend brings Men in Black history to Next Gen
WATCH: The Stormers are bringing back a piece of history when they debut their iconic Men in Black jerseys against the Sharks in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship derby.
The Round Three clash marks the Cape Town-based franchise’s first home game of the season, following a win over Connacht and a defeat to Edinburgh on their European tour.
But while the Stormers will enjoy home-ground advantage, they will ditch their traditional blue-and-white hoops for an all-black strip.
The Men in Black kit was previously worn in 1999 and 2006, making Saturday’s occasion a nostalgic one for the Cape faithful.
Stormers veteran flank Deon Fourie is relishing the return of the iconic strip, despite admitting that it will take some getting used to.
“I just missed Men in Black when I started [my career], so life goes full circle,” Fourie said.
He added that seeing the Stormers in black while the Sharks run out in white would make for an unusual sight.
“That’s going to be awesome. I think there was a lot of hype around the jersey when it was announced at the beginning of September.
“So, I think the public is quite keen to see us in the black jerseys again. [It] brings back a lot of history from the first time Men in Black were around back then.
“It’s going to be a bit weird playing in black jerseys against the Sharks and playing in white jerseys.
“So hopefully the crowd just shouts for the right black jerseys.”
Adding to the occasion, former Stormers captain Corné Krige presented the 2026 squad with their black jerseys on Friday.
A special jersey presentation from the captain of the original Men in Black, Corne Krige. #inittogether https://t.co/uA9wH8OhLI
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) October 9, 2026
Krige captained the side during the original 1999 Men in Black campaign, making his involvement a fitting link between the franchise’s past and present.
The 1999 squad featured Bob Skinstad, Breyton Paulse, Percy Montgomery, Robbie Fleck and Pieter Rossouw.
During the ’99 campaign, the Stormers won six of their first eight matches, including a notable victory over the eventual champions, the Crusaders. They finished second on the log and reached their first Super 12 semifinal, where they lost to the Highlanders at Newlands.
