On-loan Stormers lock Van Heerden in permanent contract talks: 'I'd definitely love to stay'

On-loan Stormers lock Ruben van Heerden is in talks to make his move to the Cape Town franchise permanent.

The Exeter Chiefs second-rower has been enamoured with the Stormers environment under head coach John Dobson since arriving in January and is looking to extend his stay.

Van Heerden was recruited temporarily to fix the Stormers' lock crisis after they lost Salmaan Moerat for the whole season to a knee injury.

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Adre Smith, Ernst van Rhyn and Gary Porter were also injured at the time, while Marvin Orie was under Springbok load management.

"Ruben is busy discussing his contract, so he doesn't want to give much away," assistant coach Rito Hlungwani said after the player was asked if he'd like to stay longer.

Van Heerden, who made his name at the Sharks, has been critical to the Stormers maintaining their United Rugby Championship (URC) and Champions Cup challenge.

"I'm loving every moment," Van Heerden said.

"My heart wants to stay here and I think my wife enjoys Cape Town, so she would love to stay. But there's nothing we can disclose at the moment.

"I would definitely love to stay here and I could see myself staying at the Stormers for quite a long time."

The 25-year-old spoke glowingly about the culture in Cape Town, which has seen various players thrive that might have struggled or been ostracised at other franchises.

"It's very interesting to see players flourishing at the Stormers," he said.

"It's a really special environment. I used to hear about it when I was on the outside but now that I'm actually in it, you can feel it.

"We don't have any egos in the team. Everyone just works together, pulls together and everyone gets along.

"We've got a good blend of