Van Heerden locked in with Stormers until 2027: 'A special group of players and coaches'

Lock Ruben van Heerden is the latest player to commit his long-term future to the Stormers.

The Stormers announced on Friday that Van Heerden has signed a contract extension that will keep him plying his trade in Cape Town until at least 2027.

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The 26-year-old joined the Stormers ranks in the middle of last season and has quickly established himself as a key cog in the forward pack.

Van Heerden previously represented the Bulls (2016-2018), Sharks (2019-2022), and Exeter Chiefs (2022-2023) in England. 

Stormers director of Rugby John Dobson said Van Heerden has been "a great addition" to the Stormers.

"[He] has really been a key player over the last 18 months, so we are very happy that he will be with us for at least three more years.

"He has shown impressive leadership qualities this season in calling the lineouts and was rightly rewarded with his inclusion in the recent Springbok alignment camp.

"We look forward to seeing where Ruben can take his game within our system over the next three seasons," Dobson said in a statement.

Lock Ruben van Heerden has committed to the DHL Stormers until at least 2027.?? 'This is a special group of players and coaches here and I want to be part of what is coming next for this team'Full announcement ?? https://t.co/qhtq0Ovh6N#iamastormer #dhldelivers pic.twitter.com/aXPlrTlkLo

Van Heerden said it was an easy decision to extend his stay in the Cape as the Stormers environment has allowed him to take his game to the next level.

"I could not be happier with where my rugby is going and the new life that I have in Cape Town.

"This is a special group of players and coaches here and I want to be part of what is coming next for this