Griquas fullback Connor Mahoney is now training with the Stormers. (Marnus Prinsloo/Gallo Images)
- The Stormers and Griquas are enjoying a mutually beneficial development agreement.
- This sees players move easily between the two franchises on loan deals.
- A few Griquas players have joined the Stormers as they prepare for the new URC season.
- For more rugby news, visit our dedicated page.
A development agreement between the Stormers and Griquas will see a group of the Kimberley team’s players join up with the Capetonians as they prepare for the 2024/25 URC campaign.
The agreement, which was announced earlier this year, enables players to move between the two squads on loan agreements. It also includes collaboration between staff members of the two franchises.
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With Griquas’ Currie Cup campaign now completed, fullback Connor Mahoney, lock Dylan Sjoblom and prop Leon Lyons have already joined the Stormers, while winger Dylan Maart, loose forward Marco de Witt and prop Cebo Dlamini will also head for Cape Town at a later stage.
Winger Sako Makata has returned to the Stormers fold, having played for Griquas in the Currie Cup, while the likes of prop Sazi Sandi and lock Connor Evans also played for Griquas earlier this year.
Stormers director of rugby John Dobson said the agreement proved beneficial for both parties.
“It was so valuable for some of our players to get some game time for Griquas in the SA Cup earlier this year and now we see the agreement working the other way as we ramp up preparations for the URC, which is three weeks away.
“We have seen some stand-out performances from these players in the Currie Cup and we are looking forward to working with them to see what they can add within our system.
“This is an important step forward in this partnership we have formed with Griquas, and we are looking forward to seeing it grow further in the future,” Dobson said in a statement.
Griquas CEO Arni van Rooyen said the collaboration was beneficial for the greater good of South African rugby.
“By leveraging each other’s strengths, resources and expertise, both teams benefit from a shared pool of talent and knowledge.
“This synergy not only enhances their competitive edge but also contributes to the overall development of players and the game itself,” Van Rooyen said.
“The partnership underscores the value of unity and cooperation in achieving common goals and driving success on and off the field.”
