“He’s Getting Stuck In” — Stormers Captain Nears Return Ahead Of French Exit

Despite a severe lock crisis, the table-topping DHL Stormers are set for a boost with captain Salmaan Moerat returning to training.

Moerat’s return is crucial following JD Schickerling’s season-ending injury and ahead of his off-season move to La Rochelle.

The club captain has been sidelined with a toe injury since January, but Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani has confirmed that he has returned to training.

A comeback in Friday night’s clash against Ulster, however, may come too soon.

Just weeks ago, it was confirmed that Moerat will leave the Stormers to pursue a playing opportunity in France with La Rochelle, and he will be eager to end this chapter of his career on a high note.

“We just had a split session, and he was getting stuck in—he did some scrumming and live mauls,” said Hlungwani.

“We’ll see how he progresses for the rest of the week. He is coming back slowly.”

Moerat’s return comes at an ideal time for the Stormers, with JD Schickerling recently ruled out for the remainder of the season due to injury and expected to spend around six months on the sidelines.

“JD Schickerling is done for the season,” Hlungwani reiterated.

Following the recent return of another key figure, Ruben van Heerden—who is also set to depart for Montpellier at the end of the campaign—the presence of Moerat is certain to inject renewed confidence into the Stormers camp as the season enters its closing stages.

At the same time, the Stormers have had to contend with further setbacks, including the absence of Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, who hobbled off against Glasgow, as well as teenage sensation Markus Muller, who has injured his finger and is set for a spell on the sidelines.