Stormers lock Ruben van Heerden dives to score.

Stormers lock Ruben van Heerden scores. Photo: Gallo Images.

Cup-tied lock unavailable for Stormers in crucial playoff

The Stormers will be without Ruben van Heerden, who is not available for selection for their clash against Quins due to competition rules.

Stormers lock Ruben van Heerden dives to score.

Stormers lock Ruben van Heerden scores. Photo: Gallo Images.

The Stormers will be without lock Ruben van Heerden, who is not available for selection for their clash against Harlequins due to competition rules.

Van Heerden joined the Stormers in January this year after a stint at the Exeter Chiefs in England. And because he played for the Chiefs during the pool stages of the competition, he is unable to represent Stormers.

Competition rules do not allow a player to represent two different clubs in the same season, unless certain exceptional criteria is met.

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STORMERS KNEW LOCK WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE FOR CHAMPIONS CUP

Stormers boss John Dobson has revealed they knew Van Heerden wouldn’t be able to turn out for them in the Champions Cup from the day they decided to sign him.

“We knew that when we signed him. He was cup tied, because he played against the Bulls and Castres in December,” explained Dobson.

“We signed him on a short-term contract, not a loan, which has become long-term. He can’t play in the Champions Cup this season.

“There are exceptions for clubs in financial distress, but he doesn’t fall in that category,” the Stormers coach explained.

“Ernst has been playing exceptionally. He is one of our most underrated players,” Dobson said. “Ruben is brilliant, but in the context of what Ersnt is going to bring, its not a big blow.”

The intriguing contest takes place in Cape Town at 16:00 as Stormers entertain Harlequins at Cape Town Stadium, in what is expected to be a fully packed arena.

Dobson and his Harlequins counterpart Tabai Matson are expected to announce their match day squads for showdown be on Thursday afternoon.

ALSO READ: Champions Cup round of 16: SA sides’ match-ups

CHAMPIONS CUP ROUND OF 16 FIXTURES:

Stormers to face Harlequins in Champions-round-of-16-fixtures
Champions round of 16 fixtures. Photo: EPCR.