Three Springboks commit to Stormers

Cape Town - Springboks Siya Kolisi, Damian de Allende and Steven Kitshoff have all signed contracts with the Western Province Rugby Union (WPRU) which will see them play for the Stormers until the end of 2019.

Loosehead prop Kitshoff returns from a two-year spell in France to rejoin the only union he ever represented in South Africa, whilst flank Kolisi and centre De Allende have both signed two-year contract extensions.

All three players came through the system at Newlands, playing junior rugby for the union before going on to represent Western Province, the Stormers and the Springboks with distinction.

The trio join the likes of hooker Bongi Mbonambi, prop Frans Malherbe and locks Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit in committing to Western Province Rugby until 2019.

Director of Rugby, Gert Smal, said that these signings are vital for the long-term vision at Newlands.

“We have a strong group of senior players that will take us forward in the next few years and provide crucial guidance for the young talent we have coming through the ranks all the time,” he said.

Western Province Rugby Group CEO, Paul Zacks, said that the presence of the trio will give the Stormers some important stability going forward.

“These players are already established seniors despite their relatively young age and having them on board for the next two years is a massive boost for us.

“I look forward to seeing all three players take their careers to the next level at Newlands,” he said.

President of the Western Province Rugby Football Union, Thelo Wakefield, said it was heartening to see such loyalty from such key players.

“These players have all developed into top international rugby players here at Newlands and they are clearly committed to what we are trying to achieve.

“I look forward to the next two years as we stand together both on and off the field to build something to be proud of,” he said.