In a notable shake-up for the Stormers, Salmaan Moerat, the stalwart Springbok lock, is set to depart for French shores at the season's end. Currently recuperating from a toe surgery since January, Moerat's next chapter will unfold with La Rochelle, leaving behind a significant legacy at the Stormers.
A product of Paarl Boys' High and the Western Province U18 team from the 2016 Craven Week, Moerat's rise was meteoric. He not only captained the Junior Springboks but also made his Stormers debut in 2018 against the Highlanders in Dunedin. Throughout his tenure, he has accumulated 70 caps and has been at the helm as the club captain for the last two seasons, including leading the team in their inaugural Vodacom URC game against Benetton in Treviso in 2021. His leadership extended to the national team, serving as the Springbok captain as well.
"Salmaan embodies a lot of what we are about as a team. He is a homegrown talent from a renowned rugby family who has earned the respect of teammates and opponents alike through his selfless approach on and off the field,"
said John Dobson, the Director of Rugby at the Stormers.
Dobson expressed the bittersweet nature of Moerat's departure, acknowledging the irreplaceable role he played at the club. However, he affirmed that the Stormers would not obstruct Moerat's pursuit of a more lucrative opportunity in France, emphasizing the financial security it would bring for his young family. Dobson hoped that this farewell is not final and that Moerat might one day return to the fold.
"This move will hopefully be a positive one for me as a rugby player and for my family and I’d love to return to play for the Stormers one day. It will always be home for me,"
Moerat reflected, underscoring his enduring bond with the team and cherishing the memories made during his time with the Stormers.
As Moerat prepares to transition to his new life in France, both he and the Stormers hold onto the hope of a reunion in the future, a testament to the deep connections formed in the rugby community.
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In a notable shake-up for the Stormers, Salmaan Moerat, the stalwart Springbok lock, is set to depart for French shores at the season's end. Currently recuperating from a toe surgery since January, Moerat's next chapter will unfold with La Rochelle, leaving behind a significant legacy at the Stormers.
A product of Paarl Boys' High and the Western Province U18 team from the 2016 Craven Week, Moerat's rise was meteoric. He not only captained the Junior Springboks but also made his Stormers debut in 2018 against the Highlanders in Dunedin. Throughout his tenure, he has accumulated 70 caps and has been at the helm as the club captain for the last two seasons, including leading the team in their inaugural Vodacom URC game against Benetton in Treviso in 2021. His leadership extended to the national team, serving as the Springbok captain as well.
"Salmaan embodies a lot of what we are about as a team. He is a homegrown talent from a renowned rugby family who has earned the respect of teammates and opponents alike through his selfless approach on and off the field,"
said John Dobson, the Director of Rugby at the Stormers.Dobson expressed the bittersweet nature of Moerat's departure, acknowledging the irreplaceable role he played at the club. However, he affirmed that the Stormers would not obstruct Moerat's pursuit of a more lucrative opportunity in France, emphasizing the financial security it would bring for his young family. Dobson hoped that this farewell is not final and that Moerat might one day return to the fold.
"This move will hopefully be a positive one for me as a rugby player and for my family and I’d love to return to play for the Stormers one day. It will always be home for me,"
Moerat reflected, underscoring his enduring bond with the team and cherishing the memories made during his time with the Stormers.As Moerat prepares to transition to his new life in France, both he and the Stormers hold onto the hope of a reunion in the future, a testament to the deep connections formed in the rugby community.