The Stormers announced that they will play one of their Champions Cup matches at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in the upcoming season.
The Stormers will take Champions Cup rugby back to Gqeberha when they face French side Stade Rochelais on December 13 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
The Round Two encounter will be the third Champions Cup clash between the two sides and the second time that the prestigious competition visits the Eastern Cape after the Stormers hosted RC Toulon there last season.
Due to a clash with the World Supercross Championship, which has been booked at the Cape Town Stadium on the same weekend, the Stormers will play their first Champions Cup home game of the season in Gqeberha.
Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson said that with Cape Town Stadium not available that weekend, Gqeberha is a great option for his team, who always get incredible support at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
“Last year, we were overwhelmed by the way the people of Gqeberha got behind our team and with the impressive standards at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. It really feels like a home away from home for us.
This is sure to be another big occasion against one of the top club teams in the world, and we are looking forward to experiencing the vibrant atmosphere in Gqeberha once again,” he said.
Stormers Rugby CEO Johan le Roux said that after the success of last season’s match in Gqeberha, the challenge will be to go even bigger and better this time around.
“Our Champions Cup match at Nelson Mandela Bay last season was a fantastic experience for all who were there, and we want to build on that.
“With the Cape Town Stadium not available for this fixture, we are thrilled to be able to call Gqeberha home once again,” he said.
Mandela Bay Development Agency CEO Anele Qaba said that his team and the people of Gqeberha are ready to put on a show, with the DHL Stormers as the main attraction once again.
“We saw last year how much it means to the residents of our City and the entire Province to watch top-tier rugby, and the Stormers are bringing us another blockbuster in the Champions Cup.
“I am pleased that the stadium team met the Stormers’ expectations last year, and as a result, they can consider Nelson Mandela Bay as an alternative venue for their games.
“Hosting this game at the stadium would bring a significant boost to the tourism and hospitality sector.
“The game will also assist the stadium in generating revenue and contribute towards the annual target as set by the municipality.
“We are confident that together we can improve on what we achieved last year in every way,” he said.
