The Stormers Rugby Institute is back up and running for the first time in seven years, with a fresh group starting at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport this week.
The institute was last operational in 2018 and has now been revived as part of the framework of Project 2029, which seeks to make the most of the considerable talent that comes through the Stormers Rugby pathway.
Headed up once more by the experienced Jacques Hanekom and based at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport Rugby International Institute (SASRII), a select group of players will get specialised coaching and holistic support in their first year out of school as they begin the transition to senior rugby.
The group of 12 Stormers Rugby players will follow an intense programme, which will see them live and train together while also receiving guidance on life beyond rugby and help to prepare them for the challenges of a professional career.
As the man responsible for the past success of the Institute, which saw numerous world-class players moulded in their formative years under his guidance, Hanekom is uniquely qualified to take this project on.
Director of Rugby John Dobson said that the revival of the Institute is an important step forward for Project 2029.
“The Institute has played an important role in helping to mould players who have gone on to become legends of the game and this was something we identified as vital for our long-term goals in Project 2029.
“The facilities at Stellenbosch Academy of Sport are top-notch and with Jacques at the helm, we know that these players will all benefit immensely in all areas as they navigate the step-up to the professional level,” he said.
Stormers Rugby CEO Johan le Roux said that the Institute will enable the club to make the most of the considerable talent at their disposal.
“It is well-known that we have one of the deepest pools of rugby talent in the world and the challenge for us is to make the most of that by equipping our players with everything they need to succeed.
“We have managed to attract some of the best young players to our club and we are confident that by putting them into the Institute under the capable guidance of Jacques, we will get the best out of them and reap rewards for years to come,” he said.
2026 Stormers Rugby Institute intake
Jayden Brits – Boland Landbou (scrumhalf)
Randall-John Davids – Rondebosch Boys (centre)
Zak Hickman – Paul Roos (prop)
Jordan Jooste – Paarl Boys (prop)
Gert Kemp – Paul Roos (loose forward)
AJ Meyer – Grey College (lock)
Markus Muller – Paarl Gim (centre)
Quintin Potgieter – Paarl Gim (loose forward)
Altus Rabe – Paul Roos (hooker)
Jordan Steenkamp – Paul Roos (wing)
Joseph Udo-Idung – DHS (prop)
Matt van der Merwe – Rondebosch Boys (prop)
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