Seabelo Senatla, the legendary South African Sevens player and former World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, has been added to the Stormers’ Champions Cup squad after a series of injuries forced the team to make changes. Senatla’s return is remarkable, considering he was sidelined for 19 months following a serious arm injury from a severe car accident. A key member of the Stormers’ successful first season in the United Rugby Championship, Senatla has become a beloved figure among Cape Town fans.
The news of Senatla’s return will surely excite Stormers supporters as he is now fit and available for selection in their upcoming Champions Cup match against Toulon at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. However, Senatla’s inclusion comes at a cost, as both Steven Kitshoff and Damian Willemse have been removed from the roster due to injury. Kitshoff recently underwent serious neck surgery, leaving his career uncertain, while Willemse is dealing with a groin issue.
Alongside Senatla, two other players have been added to the squad: front-rower and Junior Springbok captain Zachary Porthen and promising youngster Jonathan Roche. Both players will be eager to make an impact in the senior side.
The Stormers will hope the Champions Cup provides some relief after a challenging start to their United Rugby Championship season, where they’ve only secured two wins from their first six matches. Their Champions Cup opener against Toulon will be a tough test, as the French side has sent a full-strength squad to South Africa. The match will take place in Gqeberha, with DHL Stadium in Cape Town hosting the Sevens competition this weekend.