Stormers lock in wave of schoolboy talent ahead of 2026 campaign
A fresh crop of future Stormers
The Cape‑based franchise has just announced an impressive intake of eleven school‑boy stars, a move that could shape the team’s fortunes for years to come. At the heart of the recruitment are two Paarl Gimnasium products: centre Markus Muller, who captained his school’s first XV, and loose‑forward Quintin Potgieter, noted for his work rate and ball‑carrying ability. Both have already drawn comparisons to former Stormers icons during youth tournaments.
Rounding out the first batch are Alutha Wesi and Randall‑John Davids, a loose‑forward and centre respectively, who earned regular caps for Rondebosch Boys High. From Paul Roos Gymnasium the Stormers added wing Jordan Steenkamp, hooker Altus Rabe and loose‑forward Gert Kemp, each praised for their physicality and game sense at the school level.
Beyond the Western Cape, the squad now features Wynberg Boys’ fly‑half Yaqeen Ahmed, a player lauded for his tactical kicking and calm under pressure, as well as Boland Landbou scrum‑half Jayden Brits, whose quick service has been highlighted in regional fixtures. Rounding out the list is lock AJ Meyer from the storied Grey College, bringing height and line‑out expertise that the Stormers have been missing.
Why local talent matters to the Stormers
Director of Rugby John Dobson explained that the focus on home‑grown players isn’t just a feel‑good story; it’s a strategic choice. "We want to harness the talent on our doorstep," he said, noting that the Western Province U21 side has clinched back‑to‑back national titles, largely thanks to the same pipeline that feeds the senior Stormers.
The franchise’s development system has already produced household names. Damian Willemse, Salmaan Moerat, Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu, JD Schickerling and Suleiman Hartzenberg all rose through Stormers academies before cementing their places in Super Rugby and the Springboks. Their success stories give the new signings a clear roadmap to follow.
Dobson hinted that the recruitment drive isn’t finished yet, with further contracts likely to be announced in the coming weeks. The goal is to maintain a steady flow of young talent, ensuring that the Stormers stay competitive while keeping a strong bond with the local fan base.
- Markus Muller – centre, Paarl Gimnasium (captain of first XV)
- Quintin Potgieter – loose‑forward, Paarl Gimnasium
- Alutha Wesi – loose‑forward, Rondebosch Boys High
- Randall‑John Davids – centre, Rondebosch Boys High
- Jordan Steenkamp – wing, Paul Roos Gymnasium
- Altus Rabe – hooker, Paul Roos Gymnasium
- Gert Kemp – loose‑forward, Paul Roos Gymnasium
- Yaqeen Ahmed – fly‑half, Wynberg Boys
- Jayden Brits – scrum‑half, Boland Landbou
- AJ Meyer – lock, Grey College
Transitioning from school pitches to professional training facilities will be a significant step for these youngsters. The Stormers plan to integrate them gradually into their development squads, giving them exposure to senior coaching, nutrition programs and strength conditioning. For many, the ultimate aim is a senior cap with the Stormers and, potentially, Springbok honors.
With a clear vision, a proven development track record, and a new batch of eager talent, the Stormers appear set to write the next chapter of South African rugby, one local star at a time.
