Stormers Begin URC Season with Statement Win and Bold Transfer Moves
The Stormers opened their United Rugby Championship campaign in emphatic fashion, demolishing defending champions Leinster 35-0 in a commanding performance that has sent a strong message across the competition.
Off the field, the Cape Town side have been just as active, confirming the return of prop Oli Kebble in a swap deal that sees Sti Sithole depart for the Bulls. Kebble, who previously represented the Stormers before a stint in Glasgow, could feature as early as this weekend against the Ospreys.
Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson explained the thinking behind the move, describing it as a “good deal” for the franchise. “Sti and Oli share the same agent. The Bulls proposed a two-year deal for Sti. We weren’t sure if we could offer him another contract. And Oli is someone we know really well… Oli is more of a Cape Town boy than a Pretoria boy,” he told SportsBoom.co.za.
The club also confirmed the long-term signing of Bulls prop Wilco Louw, though he will only arrive next season. Dobson admitted the early announcement created an “awkward” situation, as Louw will spend a full campaign trying to help the Bulls win a URC title while already committed to joining their Cape rivals.
Despite their impressive opening performance, the Stormers are facing a potential crisis at flyhalf. With Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Damian Willemse, and Cobus Reinach unavailable until January due to Springbok rest protocols, and Jean-Luc du Plessis sidelined through injury, Jurie Matthee remains the only fit specialist. The club has brought in Clinton Swart on a short-term loan to provide cover.
“We let Manie [Libbok] go; we all know the reasons. There was no way we could keep both Springbok flyhalves, him and Sacha,” Dobson said.
The Stormers’ formal partnership with the Griquas has already borne fruit, with Dylan Maart, Gurshwin Wehr, and Caleb Abrahams joining the squad to bolster depth. Dobson described the arrangement as a “collaboration basis” rather than formal loans, helping both franchises manage resources.
Dobson also welcomed the URC’s decision to introduce a 20-minute red card trial this season, arguing it would reduce the disproportionate impact of red cards on match outcomes. “This trial won’t impact the game too much and is probably a fairer process. It takes away the element of punishing the team for the whole match. I think it’s a good option by the URC,” he said.
With an electric start on the pitch and bold moves off it, the Stormers have set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling URC season.
Credit SportsBoom: https://www.sportsboom.co.za/rugby/exclusive-john-dobson-on-kebble-sithole-swaps-and-depth-woes
