Just In: The Stormers are reportedly trying to bring a Springbok hooker to Cape Town along with Bok tighthead prop Wilco Louw.
The Stormers are reportedly trying to bring a Springbok hooker to Cape Town along with Bok tighthead prop Wilco Louw
According to Rapport, John Dobson’s side have set their sights on Marnus van der Merwe, who is also on the radar of the Sharks, Lions and English club Saracens.
The 28-year-old made his Test debut against Georgia in Nelspruit last month. He currently plays for the Scarlets in Wales, having joined them from the Cheetahs in 2024, and is contracted until mid-2026.
Rapport says the Stormers’ interest comes in the wake of Joseph Dweba’s departure to Exeter Chiefs. Without Dweba’s PONI (Player of National Interest) contract – a deal where a player’s provincial salary is partially funded by SA Rugby – he became too expensive to retain.
Van der Merwe is expected to secure PONI support if he stays in South Africa, making a return home far more feasible.
Meanwhile, Rapport has confirmed that Louw has signed a four-year deal and will join the Stormers in mid-2026 after leaving the Bulls.
The move will also bring the 31-year-old closer to his farm in the Cederberg.
While the name of the hooker has not yet been officially confirmed, sources close to the negotiations suggest the player in question is an experienced campaigner with both international pedigree and URC experience—someone who could slot seamlessly into the Stormers’ high-tempo, forward-dominant system. The franchise has made no secret of its ambition to build depth in the front row, especially given the physical toll of competing on two fronts across Europe and South Africa.
Wilco Louw’s return is already being hailed as a major coup. The powerful prop, who previously played for the Stormers before stints with Harlequins in England and the Bulls, is expected to bring valuable experience and stability to the scrum. His presence alone could transform the Stormers’ tight five into one of the most formidable units in the competition.
Adding a Springbok hooker to the mix would complete a powerful front-row trio, potentially rivaling any in the URC. This move also aligns with the Stormers’ focus on luring top talent back to Cape Town and strengthening the core of South African internationals within the squad.
