Springboks prospect who ‘is coming into his prime’ pens new Stormers deal while Loader nears exit
The Stormers have locked in Neethling Fouche while Ben Loader is set to leave the club.
The Stormers have announced that tighthead prop Neethling Fouché has signed a three-year contract extension with the side.
Fouché has been a cornerstone of the Stormers scrum alongside the likes of Frans Malherbe, racking up 88 appearances for the Cape Town-based side since 2018.
Fouche extends Stormers’ stay
The prop has been a consistent performer for the Stormers over the years but last year he was recognised by the Springboks coaches earning his first call-up to the Test squad.
While he ultimately did not become one of the 50 players that Rassie Erasmus used in 2024, he has continued his fine form as he pushes on for that elusive Test cap.
The 32-year-old has attracted interest from abroad but Stormers boss John Dobson is pleased that he can count on the powerful prop for the next three years.
“Neethling is an incredible team man and as a tighthead prop is coming into his prime, so we are looking forward to even bigger things from him,” he said.
“He competes with one of the greatest ever tightheads Frans Malherbe and keeps pushing his standards, so it is understandable that many other teams would love to have a player of Neethling’s stature in their squad.
“He is another player that has completely bought into the project here and plays a key role in helping develop the next generation of front-row stars, so we are thrilled to have him on our books for another three years.”
Fouche added: “Every time I put on the DHL Stormers jersey I get quite emotional. This team means the world to me and I honestly don’t want to play my rugby anywhere else.”
“Driving into work and staring at Table Mountain, I don’t know where else you can get that.
“I have rubbed shoulders with some legends of the game here and will keep pushing myself to improve.
“This squad has the potential to achieve great things, we are only at the beginning.
Expected departures
Fouche’s re-signing is the latest boost for the Stormers ahead of next season with Springboks scrum-half Cobus Reinach signing a deal to join the side from Montpellier.
This comes after the news that Herschel Jantjies will join French outfit Bayonne while Paul de Wet is set to link up with the Bulls.
Meanwhile, according to a report by Rugby Pass, Ben Loader will also leave the Stormers as he returns to the Premiership in order to rekindle his England ambitions.
It is reported that the versatile back, who joined the Stormers following the collapse of London Irish, has signed a three-year deal with Gloucester.
Additionally, the Stormers are hoping to retain the services of Wandisile Simelane who has attracted interest from Castres, Bristol and Japanese clubs.
