The Stormers have quietly strengthened a key position with the signing of a young Cheetahs hooker who caught the eye during last year’s Currie Cup.
The Cheetahs confirmed on Monday that Vernon Paulo has joined the Cape franchise, bringing an end to his stint in Bloemfontein after departing Frans Steyn’s side on February 1.
Still early in his career, Paulo arrives in Cape Town as a developing option at hooker, a position where the Stormers already have Andre-Hugo Venter, JJ Kotze and Lukhanyo “Boepa” Vokozela on their books. Veteran campaigner Scarra Ntubeni is also part of the squad, although it’s not clear if the 34-year-old will continue past this season.
Paulo has built a reputation for accurate line-out throwing and explosiveness in open play, attributes that will be closely watched as he settles into the Stormers’ environment. His signing also helps fill the gap left by Springbok hooker Joseph Dweba, who departed for Exeter Chiefs last season.
Before his move to Bloemfontein, Paulo came through at North-West University and was part of the Eagles squad that lifted the Varsity Cup title in 2023.
Paulo’s move was one of two notable exits from the Cheetahs announced on Monday. Tighthead prop Cameron Dawson has signed a three-year deal with the Sharks, adding further depth to their forward pack.
The Cheetahs, meanwhile, also confirmed contract extensions for hooker Marco Janse van Rensburg, loosehead prop Matome Manyama and flanker Sisonke Vumazonke as they continue to reshape their squad following the departures.
While SA’s Vodacom URC teams remain contractually committed to Europe’s elite club competitions until 2030, the long-term structure of the Champions Cup is under renewed scrutiny as English and French clubs push for reform.
One of the options being debated is a reduced 16-team Champions Cup, played over consecutive weekends either before Christmas or after the Six Nations. Proponents believe such a format would create greater momentum and gravitas, while easing pressure on domestic leagues that feel increasingly squeezed by a congested calendar
