While the Bulls have brought in Springboks like Bismark du Plessis and Johan Goosen to bolster their squad ahead of the United Rugby Championship, the Stormers this week announced some signings of their own.
Earlier in the week, the Capetonians announced that they have added Pumas looseforward Willie Engelbrecht, the Cheetahs’ Junior Pokomela and Griquas scrumhalf Stefan Ungerer on loan.
They promised further signings and yesterday revealed that former Bulls and Sharks flyhalf Manie Libbok has joined on a three-year deal alongside Griquas lock Adre Smith. There’s more, the Stormers have also welcomed back 36-year-old former prop Brok Harris, who spent the last few years playing for the Dragons in Wales.
In a statement released yesterday, Stormers coach John Dobson says of the new signings: “Manie is known as a devastating runner who can threaten from anywhere on the field and Adre brings serious power and momentum, both with and without the ball.
“These two players together embody what our team wants to stand for by being hard and uncompromising up front and then a skilful threat out wide.
“They will be valuable additions this season and we know that they will be working hard to take their game to the next level over the next three years.”
WPPR chairman Ebrahim Rasool adds: “Both of these players are 24 years old, so while they have the experience required to make an impression right away, they also have the potential to develop themselves from within our system in the coming years.”