Stormers ready for new challenges as European sojourn gets underway

Fresh from two wins out of two in the opening rounds of the United Rugby Championship (URC), the Stormers leave Cape Town on Monday for a three-match tour that includes fixtures in Italy and Wales. 

The defending champions started their URC defence with wins against Connacht and Edinburgh to help themselves to fourth place on the log. 

It's still early days, however, and their first trip outside South Africa will see them take on Zebre Parma, Ospreys and Cardiff on the road over the next three weeks.  

Stormers head coach John Dobson acknowledged that a different set of challenges await his charges but said his team were looking forward to them.    

"This is a very important tour for a few different reasons and we want to make sure we keep building. 

"Our opening two wins have got us off to a good start, but we need to show that we can do the job away from home as well. 

"There are a few players in this group who are hungry to make their mark, so this will be a good opportunity for them to show what they can do going forward," he said. 

Experienced Samoan international centre Alapati Leiua is part of the 28-man touring squad and looks set to make his debut for the franchise at some point.  

Dobson said he expected Leiua to have a major influence on some of the younger players at the franchise.  

"Alapati is a proven performer who will give us a hard edge in midfield while also mentoring some of the talented youngsters we have here. 

"We saw the huge influence Jamie Roberts had in a short time here two years ago and we are expecting Alapati to play a similar role for us this season. 

"We are looking forward to seeing the impact he makes here both on and off the field," said Dobson 

Stormers touring squad: 

Kwenzo Blose, Angelo Davids,