Stormers eyeing seasoned Springbok star — report

The Stormers are reportedly in negotiations with a Springbok to add strike power to the backline.

Following the departure of Warrick Gelant to France at the end of last season, the Stormers turned to Clayton Blommetjies and Damian Willemse to share the responsibilities at fullback this season.

However, with veteran Springbok fullback Willie le Roux having this week confirmed the end of his four-year stint in Japan, the opportunity is there for the URC title-holders to add further experience to their outside backs.

A return to the Cape?

According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, a coach at the Stormers has confirmed that they are in talks to bring Le Roux back to the Western Cape, although nothing has been signed yet.

Raised in Strand and a graduate of Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch, Le Roux started his rugby career at Boland Cavaliers before getting his big break with a move to the Free State Cheetahs.

The 34-year-old, who has also had stints with the Sharks, Canon Eagles and English side Wasps, reportedly wants to settle in Paarl to be closer to his family.

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Le Roux has previously expressed a desire to play for the Stormers at some stage in his career.

“I always wanted to play for the Stormers, to be honest,” he told former Bok captain Jean de Villiers on the Use It or Lose It webshow. “Growing up in Strand, I always went with my dad to Newlands.

“I always wanted to play for the Stormers, but never got the opportunity. I was in the larger pre-season squad in 2010. I played a game in pre-season against Maties. I played flyhalf at that time and that was my last game in the Province gear then I went back to Boland.”

The report adds that signing Le Roux is a separate issue to the potential departure of Manie Libbok, who has been heavily linked with a move to Racing 92 in France. The Stormers are currently hoping to convince the flyhalf to stay in Cape Town, with his current contract ending in 2024.

This story first appeared on sarugbymag.co.za. it is republished here with permission.