End of an Era: Stormers Lose Core Players as URC Campaign Concludes
The Stormers’ United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign came to a bitter close this past weekend, crashing out at the quarterfinal stage after a hard-fought defeat to Glasgow Warriors. Adding salt to the wound, the Cape Town side also had to bid farewell to several key players who have donned the blue and white with distinction in recent seasons.
Farewell Tour Ends in Glasgow
It was a sombre end to the season for the Stormers, whose changing room resembled a war zone of emotions as players prepared to depart. At least five stalwarts have played their final match for the union, opting to pursue professional opportunities abroad—unless some make a surprise return in the years ahead.
Dynamic scrumhalves Herschel Jantjies and Paul de Wet are among the most notable exits. Jantjies is headed for France’s Top 14 where he will join Bayonne, while de Wet has chosen a local switch to the Bulls. Hooker Joseph Dweba has signed for English Premiership side Exeter Chiefs, bringing his time in the Cape to a close.
International Departures and Retirement
English flyer Ben Loader will also be leaving, heading back to his homeland in a bid to reignite his international prospects with Gloucester. Meanwhile, veteran loose forward Dave Ewers—who had a strong career in England with Exeter Chiefs and ended his professional journey at the Stormers—has officially retired after playing a support and leadership role in his final season.
The biggest shock, however, was confirmation from Director of Rugby John Dobson that Springbok playmaker Manie Libbok is also departing. While his destination remains unclear, reports suggest he could be heading to Japan on a short-term sabbatical.
Dobson Reflects on Emotional Exit
Speaking after the Glasgow defeat, Dobson was visibly emotional about the group’s departure. “Paul de Wet has been with us since the very first URC season. Joe, Manie, and Herschel were all significant contributors. It’s not how we envisioned their send-off,” he shared.
He described the atmosphere in the changing room as heart-breaking. “It felt like a field hospital after a battle. Everyone is shattered. We genuinely believed we’d be playing in the semi-finals,” said Dobson. “These guys—Ben Loader included—have served this team with distinction. We didn’t want to say goodbye like this.”
Kitshoff’s Retirement a Major Blow
Adding to the Stormers’ challenges is the early retirement of club icon Steven Kitshoff, who was forced to hang up his boots earlier this year after a lingering neck injury proved too serious to overcome. The former Bok prop’s leadership and experience leave a significant void in the forward pack.
New Faces on the Horizon
Despite the exodus, the future isn’t entirely bleak for the Cape franchise. Reinforcements are already on the way for the next campaign. Two significant names lead the charge: double World Cup-winning Springbok Cobus Reinach will be making a return to local rugby, likely ending his storied career in Cape Town. He will be joined by powerful prop Ntuthuko Mchunu, who is making the switch from the Sharks.
More signings are expected as the Stormers look to rebuild their squad and continue competing at the highest level.
Stormers Turning the Page
As the curtain closes on a turbulent chapter, the Stormers face the challenge of rebuilding around a fresh core. The departure of seasoned players marks the end of an era—but also opens the door for the next generation to step up and carry the legacy forward.
Also read: Bulls vs Sharks: URC Knockout Clash Promises Another Thriller
