Massive boost for Stormers as Moerat extends stay in Cape Town

The Stormers have received a massive boost with the news that highly-rated lock Salmaan Moerat has committed his future to the franchise until at least 2025. 

Still just 24-years-old, Moerat has been at Western Province for the duration of his senor career. 

In a statement released on Wednesday, the former Junior Springbok captain said it was an easy decision to put pen to paper. 

"It means a lot to me and my family to play for the Stormers and the direction the team has been going in the last few months makes for an especially exciting future," he said.

"I am glad that the path forward is clear, so I can focus on playing my best rugby and contributing wherever I can to the team."

Coach John Dobson, meanwhile, has always spoken highly of Moerat and he said he was optimistic about the player's future. 

"Salmaan has always been a talented, humble and hard-working player and also brings important leadership skills to our squad," said Dobson.

"With his future now secure, I am looking forward to seeing what new heights he can reach over the next three years as he pushes himself and his teammates to higher standards."

Moerat has had his troubles with injury in recent seasons, but his form was enough to earn him a call-up to the Springbok squad that toured Europe towards the end of last year. 

The Stormers are enjoying a strong run of form at present, having won three and drawn one of their four matches in 2022 to leave them the highest-placed South African team on the United Rugby Championship (URC) log in 7th position overall.