Stormers hit with another lock blow as Salmaan Moerat set for stint in France next season

The Stormers are on the hunt for a replacement lock, with club captain and Springbok second-rower Salmaan Moerat swapping Cape Town for La Rochelle at the end of the season.

Moerat will depart with the blessing of the only team he has represented in his professional career, as he embarks on a new chapter abroad. He will link up with former Stormers back Dillyn Leyds, who is now an established figure at the former European champions.

The 28-year-old is currently sidelined following toe surgery but is expected to return in time for the United Rugby Championship (URC) playoffs.

Meanwhile, his regular second-row partner Ruben van Heerden is also set to leave Cape Town, having signed with Montpellier.

The impending departure of two first-choice locks leaves the Stormers with a significant gap to fill. Their current options include JD Schickerling, Adré Smith, Conor Evans and Gary Porter, along with several promising youngsters in the broader squad. However, the need for an experienced URC campaigner is likely to push recruitment beyond the Cape.

Bulls lock Cobus Wiese has already declined an opportunity to return to his former side, opting instead to remain in Pretoria.

While wing is another area of concern, it is not as pressing as the second row.

The calf injury to Seabelo Senatla has stretched their depth just as he returned from a lengthy layoff. Encouragingly, Damian Willemse impressed in his first outing on the right wing. There is also uncertainty around the long-term role of Leolin Zas, with youngsters Suleiman Hartzenberg and Joel Leotlela continuing their development in the U23 ranks.

The Stormers are expected to strengthen their wing stocks, but will take a measured approach, targeting a player who fits their system and has the potential to become a fan favourite at DHL Stadium — much like Willemse and flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.