Experienced scrumhalf Andre Warner has joined the DHL Stormers on a six-month loan as part of the club’s partnership with the Seattle Seawolves.
Warner has trained with the Stormers squad in recent weeks while the American side has been in its off-season, and the 32-year-old will now extend his stay in Cape Town until February.
He brings significant experience, having represented two South African clubs and French side Stade Français before moving to the United States earlier this year.
Stormers Rugby has developed a strong working relationship with the Seawolves, who visited Cape Town earlier this year and spent a week training with the home side in the build-up to a friendly between the Seattle Seawolves and the DHL Stormers XV.
This loan deal is the latest example of the two clubs working together for their mutual benefit.
Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson said the move highlights the value of the partnership with the Seattle-based team.
“It is fantastic to have this kind of relationship with the Seawolves, and I know they gained a lot from their visit here, beyond just the 80 minutes at DHL Stadium. It was really valuable for us to have them here, both to prepare the DHL Stormers XXIII ahead of the SA Rugby U23 Cup and to strengthen the connection between the two clubs.
“I’d like to thank Head Coach Allen Clarke and everyone involved there for being open to this deal to have a player like Andre join us for the next six months,” he said.
Dobson said Warner will add significant value as the 2026/27 season gets underway this week.
“Andre has been really impressive since joining us in pre-season. He has been a consistent performer for many years, and you can see why in the professionalism he brings.
“We have had some injuries at scrumhalf, so to be able to bring a player like Andre in is hugely helpful.
“He showed his worth in our pre-season match in Paarl and will also be able to help develop some of the exciting young players in our system as well,” he added.
Seawolves head coach Allen Clarke said everyone at the club would follow Warner’s progress with interest during his time with the Stormers.
“We’re genuinely excited for Andre. He’s been a huge part of the Seawolves and is someone who means a great deal to our club, both as a player and as a person.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for him and another positive step in our partnership with the DHL Stormers. It gives Andre the chance to keep playing at a high level during our off-season, challenge himself in a great rugby environment, and continue to grow his game.
“We’ll be supporting him every step of the way, and I know our fans will be following him with real pride. Andre is a Seawolf, and we can’t wait to welcome him home in February and see him pull on that jersey again,” he said.
