Stormers miss out on Eben Etzebeth, but may sign fellow Springbok brute

The Stormers may have missed out on luring Eben Etzebeth back to the Western Cape, but they are reportedly close to signing another Springbok second-row star.

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Sources have confirmed to SA Rugby mag that the Stormers are in negotiations to bring Lood de Jager back from Manchester where he is currently playing for the Sale Sharks.

Etzebeth was on Thursday confirmed as the latest addition to the Sharks’ pack, following in the footsteps of a number of player signings in recent times by the KwaZulu-Natal side, most notable two other former Stormers players, Siya Kolisi and Bongi Mbonambi.

De Jager, still only 29, is reportedly keen to head back to Mzansi having joined the Sale Sharks shortly after the Springboks won the 2019 Rugby World Cup title in Japan.

Prior to his move to the Sale Sharks, he was an integral member of the Bulls squad.

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However, De Jager’s two-year stay in Manchester has been beset with injuries and in that time he’s made on 19 appearances for the club.

The Stormers boast impressive locks

Should he join the Stormers, De Jager would boost an already impressive list of locks at thee union.

Fellow Springbok Marvin Orie is currently the first-choice No 5 lock, while Salmaan Moerat has recently extended his stay in the Cape until 2025.

The Stormers also have promising locks Adre Smith and David Meihuizen on their books.

De Jager has 54 Springbok caps to his name.

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