The Stormers have officially called off their chase for Argentine powerhouse Tomás Lavanini. Amidst the search to cover the void left by Salmaan Moerat and Ruben van Heerden's departure to France, the club found Lavanini's financial expectations a bridge too far. This decision shifts the focus back to homegrown talent to shore up their ranks.
John Dobson, the Director of Rugby, didn't mince words when speaking to Netwerk24 about the breakdown in negotiations.
"We would rather put our faith in the local guys like Connor Evans, [Junior Boks captain] Riley Norton and Gary Porter, who are full-blooded Stormers,"
he stated, emphasizing the team’s strategy to lean on local emerging stars.Adding to the Stormers' challenges, the team recently saw another lock, Alex Groves, exit for Wales. In a move to reinforce their squad, the Stormers welcomed Dylan de Leeuw back to Cape Town. After a journeyman stint that included time with Zebre, the Bulls, Lions, and SWD Eagles, the former Western Province U21 captain has inked a one-year deal with his old club.
Despite a renewed confidence in their youthful locks, the Stormers are still keeping their options open for an experienced second-rower as the 2026-27 season approaches. The need for such a player is underscored by the team’s occasional use of Springbok fullback Damian Willemse on the wing this past season, highlighting a gap in depth that they are keen to address.
Moreover, the squad is not just looking to beef up their forward pack. Despite the return of Springbok sensation Cheslin Kolbe, Dobson and his coaching staff are exploring additional options on the wing to ensure robust line-up choices throughout the grueling season ahead.
The strategic pivot towards nurturing and trusting local talent over expensive imports marks a significant shift in the Stormers’ team-building philosophy and could well redefine their future successes.