Stormers move to counter lock crisis with Van Heerden signing

Experienced lock Ruben van Heerden will join the Stormers this week on a short-term contract.

The 25-year-old South African joins with immediate effect, having represented Exeter Chiefs for the first half of the season.

A lock with the ability to play in both positions in the second row, Van Heerden joins on a short-term deal, with a view to signing a longer contract in the future.

Given injuries to the likes of Salmaan Moerat, Adre Smith, Ernst van Rhyn and Gary Porter and the fact that Marvin Orie will be rested soon in line with the Springbok management plan, Van Heerden’s arrival comes at the perfect time.

Head Coach John Dobson said that he and the rest of the squad are looking forward to welcoming Van Heerden to Cape Town.

"Ruben is a lock with a solid pedigree, who has certainly made life quite difficult for our team in the past and will play an important role for us in the second half of a demanding season," he said. 

"We have seen quite a few success stories here with players like Hacjivah Dayimani, Junior Pokomela, Willie Engelbrecht and Stefan Ungerer all arriving initially on short-term deals before signing on more permanently and we are hopeful that Ruben will have a similar experience."

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Van Heerden said that he cannot wait to get integrated into the Stormers squad.

"The success that the team has had recently speaks for itself and this seems like a really positive environment in which to play rugby.

"I am looking forward to connecting with my new teammates and adding value wherever I can."