Double World Cup-winning scrumhalf Cobus Reinach is looking forward to slotting in seamlessly at the Stormers when he joins them next season.
The Cape outfit yesterday announced his acquisition, with two of their experienced halfbacks, World Cup winner Herschel Jantjies and Paul de Wet, set to depart the union this season.
Jantjies is off to France, with De Wet linked with a move to the Bulls.
After seven years playing in England and France, the 39-cap Springbok Reinach, currently at Montpellier, is eager to return home and contribute to a team renowned for their exciting brand of rugby.
“I feel that I have a lot to offer within their game model, so I look forward to connecting with my new teammates and coaches when I move down to Cape Town at the end of the season,” the 34-year-old Bok said in a statement yesterday.
'𝙃𝙞𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙚𝙙!'
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) January 14, 2025
Springbok scrumhalf @c_reinach will join our squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.#iamastormer pic.twitter.com/Z8ZDyt14hT
Stormers coach John Dobson added: “Cobus has proven himself a threat at the highest level of the game, and we are expecting him to fit in seamlessly here.
“He is a double World Cup winner, and his considerable experience will be vital as we develop the next generation of young talent, with the likes of Imad Khan and Asad Moos set to benefit greatly from working closely with him.
“His attacking abilities are well-known, but he is also a player with great rugby IQ.
“And, given his knowledge of European conditions and opposition, he will provide plenty of value on and off the pitch.”
Meanwhile, after seven months on the sidelines, it took winger Ben Loader mere minutes to slot back into the running rugby of the Stormers last weekend in the Champions Cup.
He is hopeful of staying injury-free for the rest of the season to help the Cape outfit challenge in both competitions, as they aim to reach the playoffs in Europe’s elite club tournament and the United Rugby Championship.
It can’t be long until @premrugby clubs are back in for Ben Loader. Had a good game for the Stormers today against Sale. A perfect place for him to get over the tough times of losing his job at London Irish. Would be an asset for most clubs. #premrugby pic.twitter.com/3rQCzDKSjZ
— Tom May (@TomMay1) January 11, 2025
It was the second year Loader missed the festive rugby matches due to injury, and he joked that maybe fate wants him to enjoy the Cape Town summer holidays.
But after months of no action, he was happy to stretch his legs in the 40-0 victory over Sale Sharks in the sunny conditions at the Cape Town Stadium.
The English speedster, though, warned they must adjust quickly to the 4G pitch at the indoor La Defense Arena in Paris against Racing 92 on Saturday night (10pm SA time start).
“We won’t be going away from our identity, but we will have to adapt to the conditions,” Loader said.
“There will be some challenges. The bounce of the ball is different. We haven’t played in an indoor stadium yet.
“Part of our game model is to be able to change things on the fly, and to adapt to what a team and their conditions ask of us.
“As an outside back, playing on a 4G pitch is sometimes nice because the game is so quick, and you feel faster (when running).
“Hopefully, it is another fast game like this past weekend.”
The Stormers are within reach of another knockout spot in the Champions Cup.
If they can beat Racing and collect five log points, they should secure a place in the Round of 16.
A loss, though, could see them drop to the Challenge Cup playoffs, or it can end their European dreams entirely.
According to Loader, watching the guys find their form over December in the local derbies really made it difficult to watch from the sidelines.
But, coming into a side brimming with confidence made the return all that easier.
“I was out for a long time with my injury, but supported the boys where I could,” the 26-year-old from Reading said.
“Watching the festive derbies just made me want to come back that much more. Coming in this past weekend and playing in a good performance makes me very happy.
“The recovery felt so long. I last played against Glasgow in the (URC) quarters.
“Ending the season in such a heartbreaking way on two fronts motivates you to get back.
“Despite a couple of setbacks, it felt good to get through 80 minutes with the win.” | Independent Media Sport