Maart Relishing First Home Game As Stormers Winger’s Rise Continues

Electric Stormers winger Dylan Maart is eager to carry his strong form into his first appearance in front of the home crowd at DHL Stadium, following an impressive start to his stint with the Cape Town-based side.

Maart has scored three tries in as many appearances for the Stormers and will be hoping to maintain his explosive start when they host the Emirates Lions at DHL Stadium on Saturday as the Vodacom United Rugby Championship resumes this coming weekend.

“I’m very excited about it,” said Maart. “The past few games were nice – making my debut and travelling overseas for the first time. Now I’m excited to play in front of the home crowd. It’s exciting times.”

Maart, who at the age of 13 worked as a taxi guard, which also allowed him to attend school for free, left his job as a warehouse worker to fully pursue rugby just two years ago. 

At 29 years old, Maart’s journey to the Stormers has been anything but conventional. A year ago, his circumstances were vastly different, and the opportunity to represent a club at this level felt unlikely.

“The journey has been tough,” he admitted. “If I think about where I was last year and where I am now, I never thought I would have this opportunity. It will be my first time playing at DHL Stadium and in front of the home crowd, so I’m very excited and grateful.”

Adding to the occasion, a strong contingent from Maart’s hometown of Wellington is expected to be in attendance, with the winger joking about the number of ticket requests he received from family and friends.

Maart scored two tries against La Rochelle in Gqeberha as the Stormers garnered a comfortable 42-21 win in the Investec Champions Cup last weekend.

“To score a try for the Stormers is special in itself,” he said. 

“I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time. When you have someone like Sacha, who has a world of talent and can exploit spaces, you just need to be in the right place,” Maart added. 

Maart admits he watched a lot of rugby but did not play until after school. The player he looked up to was legendary Springbok winger Bryan Habana, and currently Cheslin Kolbe and his friend, Kurt-Lee Arendse – who Maart says he can turn to for advice. 

On Arendse, Maart said, “He is from Paarl, and I’m from Wellington. If I need advice, I’ll just ask him.”

Maart’s career follows a similar trajectory to Arendse, and he admitted, “he is always a role model for me and very inspiring.”

Maart cut a jovial figure as it was clear he was happy to be part of the Stormers squad. 

He has integrated well within the squad and noted the difference in the level coming from the Currie Cup to the more demanding United Rugby Championship and Investec Champions Cup.

“Coming from the Currie Cup to this level, it’s the best stage to showcase your talent. The experience of playing against the best in the world makes you grow and want to be better,” Maart said. 

“Being in the setup with coach Dobbo and coach Dawie – they have all allowed me to play.”

Currently on loan from Currie Cup champions Griquas – who lifted their first title in 55 years – Maart hopes his stay in Cape Town can become permanent.

“I’ve been growing into it, improving every week, and hopefully in the near future I can be part of everything here,” he said. “We don’t know what will happen in the future.”