Former Junior Springbok captain and tighthead prop Zachary Porthen, who could feature for the Stormers in their next United Rugby Championship (URC) match, is one of five promising young talents who signed contract extensions with the Cape franchise this week.
In a significant move that underscores their commitment to giving local talent opportunities, the Stormers have announced contract extensions for Porthen, alongside other rising stars including utility back JC Mars, lock Divan Fuller, scrumhalf Asad Moos and flyhalf Kyle Smith.
With their futures secured, the Junior Bok youngsters are poised to make waves in the senior ranks when they are afforded opportunities, not just over the next few weeks possibly, but also in the coming seasons.
Future stars JC Mars, Divan Fuller, Zach Porthen, Asad Moos and Kyle Smith have all signed contract extensions and are poised to continue their transition to the senior ranks.
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They are all still eligible to play for Western Province in the national Under-21 championship, and will look to secure a third consecutive title in the domestic age-group tournament, starting this Saturday.
The opportunity to blend youth with experience may arise as soon as next Saturday against the Dragons at Cape Town Stadium (6.15pm kick-off), with Porthen, who trained with the Stormers side ahead of the Benetton game, set to come in for the injured Frans Malherbe and Brok Harris and the suspended Neethling Fouché.
Mars and Smith are currently part of the Junior Springbok squad playing in the Under-20 Rugby Championship at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
Mars already has one Stormers cap to his name, having made his debut against Harlequins in London, scoring an excellent try after coming on off the bench.
Director of rugby John Dobson said that securing the signatures of these five home-grown stars underlines the intent of the contracting model, and should give fans every reason to be even more excited about the future.
“We have seen the benefit of securing the cream of our local talent in recent years,” Dobson said in a statement.
“The likes of Damian Willemse, Salmaan Moerat and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu have all made their marks after coming through the ranks here.
“These five players now represent the next generation that will continue to excite the Stormers fans.
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“We have one of the best school systems in the world. While we may not be able to retain every talented player, we focus on strategically fortifying our senior squad with young talent in key positions.”
Dobson added that he hopes to see more success for the WP Under-21s, which will allow the players to graduate through the system to make themselves household names at the Stormers.
