Publications
- The Stormers are not allowed to field lock Ruben van Heerden in Saturday's Champions Cup clash against English club Harlequins.
- Van Heerden joined the Stormers on a short-term deal from English club Exeter Chiefs in January.
- Van Heerden played for Exeter in the early rounds of the Champions Cup and is therefore not allowed to play for the Stormers, News24 has learnt.
The Stormers won't be able to call on the services of lock Ruben van Heerden for Saturday's round of 16 Champions Cup clash against Harlequins at Cape Town Stadium.
Van Heerden joined the Stormers on a short-term deal in January, having played for Exeter Chiefs in England from 2022.
The 25-year-old was recruited temporarily to fix the Stormers' lock crisis after they lost Salmaan Moerat for the season to a knee injury.
Van Heerden won't be able to play in the Champions Cup for the Stormers this season, News24 has reliably learnt, because he played for Exeter in the early rounds of the competition and is therefore ineligible to feature for the Stormers in the current campaign.
His No 4 spot for this weekend is expected to be filled by Ernst van Rhyn.
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News24 reported last week that Van Heerden was enjoying his stay in Cape Town and was eager to make his move permanent.
"I'm loving every moment," Van Heerden said.
"My heart wants to stay here and I think my wife enjoys Cape Town, so she would love to stay. But there's nothing we can disclose at the moment.
"I would definitely love to stay here and I could see myself staying at the Stormers for quite a long time."
Saturday's clash at Cape Town Stadium kicks off at 16:00, with the team line-ups to be named on Friday.
