The “Lock Curse” Returns: Stormers Lose Star For Six Months Amid Massive Second-Row Exodus
The DHL Stormers’ “injury curse” in the second row has claimed another victim, leaving Director of Rugby John Dobson facing a selection nightmare ahead of the United Rugby Championship (URC) play-offs.
Workhorse lock JD Schickerling has been ruled out for six months after sustaining a severe knee injury during last week’s narrow defeat to Connacht at DHL Stadium.
The 30-year-old had been a cornerstone of the Stormers’ pack this season, providing much-needed stability while fellow locks Ruben van Heerden and Salmaan Moerat recovered from their own spells on the sidelines.
A Mass Exodus in the Second Row
The injury comes at a catastrophic time for the Cape Town franchise, as they prepare to lose their primary lock pairing to Top 14 giants at the end of the current campaign.
- Ruben van Heerden: Recently returned from injury, Van Heerden has confirmed his departure for Montpellier Hérault Rugby.
- Salmaan Moerat: The club captain remains sidelined with a toe injury. While he is targeting a return for the play-offs, he is also set to depart for Stade Rochelais in July.
The Stormers’ attempt to bolster their depth also hit a roadblock. Negotiating for the services of Cobus Wiese from the Vodacom Bulls proved unsuccessful, with Wiese opting to remain in Pretoria for family stability.
How will John Dobson reshuffle the Stormers’ pack?
With senior options dwindling, Dobson must now look to the youth. Connor Evans is expected to shoulder more responsibility, while the versatile Ben-Jason Dixon—usually a blindside flank—is likely to shift permanently into the second row to provide bulk and lineout presence.
The Glasgow Challenge
The injury-hit Stormers must quickly regroup for a massive top-of-the-table clash against the Glasgow Warriors. The Scottish outfit will arrive in Cape Town wounded and dangerous following a humiliating 54-12 drubbing by the Lions at Ellis Park last weekend.
With both teams fighting for home-ground advantage in the quarter-finals, Saturday’s encounter at DHL Stadium is expected to be a physical litmus test for the Stormers’ depleted tight five.
