Stormers Powerhouse Earns Shock Springbok Call-Up After Brutal Injury
DHL Stormers lock Ruben van Heerden has earned a Springbok call-up to replace the injured Salmaan Moerat ahead of South Africa’s season opener against the Barbarians at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on 20 June.
The Springboks’ clash against the BaaBaas (15:00) will be preceded by a match between the SA ‘A’ team and Zimbabwe (12:00) at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on 20 June.
The 28-year-old former Junior Springbok lock, who has been a key figure in the DHL Stormers pack during this season’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign, has been drafted in as a replacement for Salmaan Moerat, who was released from the squad due to injury.
Van Heerden reached the milestone of 50 appearances for the DHL Stormers this season. Earlier in his career, he also represented the Vodacom Bulls, Hollywoodbets Sharks and English Premiership side Exeter Chiefs.
Meanwhile, Phepsi Buthelezi and Carlu Sadie, who were called up to the squad on Monday, have already reported for duty.
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick, who will lead the SA ‘A’ side, are expected to name their respective matchday squads for the two fixtures next week.
