Injury-troubled Stormers Gear Up For New URC Season

With the 2024/25 United Rugby Championship (URC) season on the horizon, DHL Stormers coach, John Dobson said he’s thrilled with his team’s preparations ahead of the new campaign despite concerns over a growing injury list.
Dobson, alongside Stormers Rugby CEO, Johan Le Roux addressed the media on Monday at the DHL Stadium outlining the team’s plans on and off the field.
The Stormers, who won the inaugural URC title back in 2022, and lost to Munster in the final a year later, will open their campaign in a North-South derby against the Vodacom Blue Bulls on September 21 in Cape Town.
“I’m quite happy with where we are in terms of preparation, and the squad,” said Dobson. “To add Steven Kitshoff, JD Schickerling, and Dave Ewers is massive – those are three good additions if you look at where the needs are.”
“In terms of the squad and the roster, we’ve had a few more guys playing for the national team, but I’m thrilled about the shape of the squad, where we are in terms of planning, and what the Currie Cup has produced for us in terms of grooming our talent.”
At the end of last season, the Stormers bid farewell to former captain, Marvin Orie who signed a two-year deal with French club, Perpignan.
As it stands, the Cape side has three options that could potentially take over the armband. It’s the returning Kitshoff, who resigned from Irish club Ulster, Salmaan Moerat, and Neethling Fouché.
Dobson, however, pitted Fouché as the man to take over the reins. “We have Kitsi (Steven Kitshoff), and Salman back, and both are outstanding leaders. One was our captain for years and the other just captained South Africa (Moerat),” he said.
“Neethling would be the sort of preeminent guy locally, and Salmaan and Kitsi will be a discussion.”
Another major concern for Dobson and his coaching staff will, however, be the growing injury list ahead of the new campaign. Several first-team players including two-time Rugby World Cup-winning utility back, Damian Willemse, have been sidelined for months.
Evan Roos is also another key player for Dobson, and he’s expected to return to action by December after undergoing an operation on his right shoulder. “It’s looking tough, and long – it is longer than it should be,” said the coach regarding his team’s injury list.
“I don’t know if that’s because of the length of the season or what. Evan Roos should be back by December, and Damian Willemse is on the field. He isn’t doing any team training yet, but he’s close.”