Cape Town — The future of Stormers rugby is being built from the ground up, and this week marked a pivotal step as five standout young players — JC Mars, Divan Fuller, Zach Porthen, Asad Moos, and Kyle Smith — all extended their contracts with the franchise.
Still eligible for DHL Western Province U21, these rising stars will not only bolster the team’s bid for a third consecutive SA Rugby U21 Cup title but are also poised to become key figures in the senior Stormers setup.
And that’s exactly how Director of Rugby John Dobson wants it.
These five players represent the next generation to take our team forward and thrill DHL Stormers fans. We’ve seen the benefit of securing the cream of our local talent... This is another step in that direction.
A Pathway with Purpose
The Stormers’ development pipeline continues to produce, and Dobson is quick to highlight how the commitment to local talent is more than just talk.
We have one of the best school systems in the world. Although it’s not always possible to keep every good player from the region, we are focused on strategically bolstering our senior squad with young talent in the positions we require.
The fruits of that strategy are already clear: Damian Willemse, Salmaan Moerat and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu all rose through the system before donning the green and gold.
Mars and Smith are currently part of the Junior Springbok squad preparing for the upcoming U20 Rugby Championship in Gqeberha, while Mars, Smith, Fuller, and Porthen have already tested senior waters in the Carling Currie Cup. Mars even made a splash in his Investec Champions Cup debut, scoring against Harlequins at The Stoop in December.
Building Depth, Sustaining Success
The SA Rugby U21 Cup kicks off this weekend with a high-stakes coastal clash against the Hollywoodbets Sharks at City Park, and all five players are expected to feature prominently.
They join a growing list of young standouts — including Paul de Villiers, Gino Cupido, and Imad Khan — who have committed their futures to the Stormers cause.
We’ve seen incredible success from the DHL Western Province U21 side over the last two years and hope to see more of the same this year. With those players graduating through the system to make themselves household names for the DHL Stormers.
Looking Ahead
It’s a clear signal that the Stormers are investing in identity, continuity, and long-term excellence. With Dobson at the helm and a conveyor belt of talent rising through the ranks, the Cape franchise isn’t just planning for tomorrow.
They’re shaping it!
