Libbok swaps Sharks for Stormers ahead of United Rugby Champs

Flyhalf Manie Libbok and lock Adre Smith have both signed three-year contracts with Western Province ahead of the United Rugby Championship.

These signings come on the back of loan deals with loose forwards Junior Pokomela and Willie Engelbrecht and scrumhalf Stefan Ungerer, along with the short-term signing of experienced prop Brok Harris.

These acquisitions have bolstered the Stormers ahead of a four-match tour of Europe which will see them face Benetton Treviso, Munster, Edinburgh and the Dragons in the coming weeks, without the services of the seven Stormers players currently with the Springbok squad.

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Libbok, formerly of the Bulls and most recently of the Sharks, is a fleet-footed and versatile backline player, who is comfortable at both flyhalf and fullback, while Smith is an imposing second row forward who will add significant grunt to the pack.

Stormers coach John Dobson said that while both players will bring valuable depth in key positions in the short-term, they also have the potential to develop and grow their games significantly in the years ahead.

“Manie is known as a devastating runner who can threaten from anywhere on the field and Adre brings serious power and momentum, both with and without the ball,” said Dobson.

“These two players together embody what our team wants to stand for by being hard and uncompromising up front and then a skilful threat out wide.

“They will be valuable additions this season and we know that they will be working hard to take their game to the next level over the next three years.”