The Stormers are in the mood for a shopping spree, and it looks like they’ve got their wallets out for a Springbok hooker, hot on the heels of snagging Bok tighthead prop Wilco Louw. The Cape Town squad is keen on luring Marnus van der Merwe back to South African soil, a move that has other teams like the Sharks, Lions, and even England's Saracens biting their nails.
Van der Merwe, who’s been showing off his skills at the Scarlets in Wales since his departure from the Cheetahs in 2024, is no small fish. Having made his Test debut just last month against Georgia in Nelspruit, he’s the kind of talent that causes a stir wherever he goes. And at 28, he's in the prime of his rugby career, contracted with the Scarlets until mid-2026.
The Stormers' interest isn’t just a shot in the dark. It’s partly fueled by the recent departure of Joseph Dweba to Exeter Chiefs. With Dweba out and his Player of National Interest (PONI) contract gone, which helped fund his provincial salary, the Stormers are in need of a new star hooker who won’t break the bank. Van der Merwe, likely to receive PONI support if he decides to stay in South Africa, could fit that bill perfectly.
"Bringing Marnus back to South Africa could be a game-changer for us," says John Dobson, the Stormers' head coach.
While the Stormers set their hooks for Van der Merwe, they’ve already reeled in a big one with Wilco Louw. The prop is set to join the team in mid-2026 after his stint with the Bulls wraps up. Louw, 31, is also looking forward to being closer to his farm in the Cederberg, proving that sometimes, you can mix business with pleasure.
The Stormers are clearly in a rebuilding phase, aiming to fortify their ranks with seasoned players like Van der Merwe and Louw. If they manage to secure Van der Merwe, it could mark a significant bolster to their lineup, making the Stormers a team to watch in the upcoming seasons.
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The Stormers are in the mood for a shopping spree, and it looks like they’ve got their wallets out for a Springbok hooker, hot on the heels of snagging Bok tighthead prop Wilco Louw. The Cape Town squad is keen on luring Marnus van der Merwe back to South African soil, a move that has other teams like the Sharks, Lions, and even England's Saracens biting their nails.
Van der Merwe, who’s been showing off his skills at the Scarlets in Wales since his departure from the Cheetahs in 2024, is no small fish. Having made his Test debut just last month against Georgia in Nelspruit, he’s the kind of talent that causes a stir wherever he goes. And at 28, he's in the prime of his rugby career, contracted with the Scarlets until mid-2026.
The Stormers' interest isn’t just a shot in the dark. It’s partly fueled by the recent departure of Joseph Dweba to Exeter Chiefs. With Dweba out and his Player of National Interest (PONI) contract gone, which helped fund his provincial salary, the Stormers are in need of a new star hooker who won’t break the bank. Van der Merwe, likely to receive PONI support if he decides to stay in South Africa, could fit that bill perfectly.
"Bringing Marnus back to South Africa could be a game-changer for us," says John Dobson, the Stormers' head coach.
While the Stormers set their hooks for Van der Merwe, they’ve already reeled in a big one with Wilco Louw. The prop is set to join the team in mid-2026 after his stint with the Bulls wraps up. Louw, 31, is also looking forward to being closer to his farm in the Cederberg, proving that sometimes, you can mix business with pleasure.
The Stormers are clearly in a rebuilding phase, aiming to fortify their ranks with seasoned players like Van der Merwe and Louw. If they manage to secure Van der Merwe, it could mark a significant bolster to their lineup, making the Stormers a team to watch in the upcoming seasons.