The Stormers head into the 2025-26 Vodacom URC season searching for the consistency that eluded them last term, writes MORNÉ ESBEN.

The inaugural champions showed flashes of brilliance, but inconsistency cost them a serious shot at the title as they fell well short against defending champions the Glasgow Warriors in the quarter-finals. Forced to play catch-up in the closing stages of the league, the Cape side fought hard for a top-eight finish.

There were highlights – a 56-5 demolition of Benetton and a 48-12 victory over the Dragons – while their attacking stats underlined their threat. The Stormers finished third for points scored (507), first for offloads (234) and first for clean breaks (176).

ALSO: Stormers ‘not trying to buy success’

This season brings a mix of arrivals and departures. Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach returns from Montpellier, while Ntuthuko Mchunu, Ruan Ackermann and Hencus van Wyk add valuable depth up front.

However, they bid farewell to influential flyhalf Manie Libbok, hooker Joseph Dweba, and stalwart Brok Harris, among others.

The Stormers’ 55-man squad includes Junior Boks captain Riley Norton, who made his senior debut for Western Province in the Currie Cup. Another Junior Bok, flyhalf Kyle Smith, has also been called up, along with club standouts such as lock Alex Groves and utility back Jared Africa, who impressed in the Currie Cup.

SQUAD: Norton cracks Stormers nod

KEY PLAYER
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was named South African URC Player of the Season in 2024-25, underlining his status as one of the country’s brightest young talents. With Manie Libbok gone, the playmaking responsibility falls squarely on his shoulders. His vision, distribution and tactical kicking will be central to the Stormers’ attack as they look to convert their flair into consistent results.

PLAYERS IN
Ruan Ackermann (Gloucester)
Oli Kebble (Oyonnax)
Ntuthuko Mchunu (Sharks)
Cobus Reinach (Montpellier)
Clinton Swart (Pumas)
Hencus van Wyk (Cheetahs)

PLAYERS OUT
Manie Libbok (Kintetsu Liners)
Herschel Jantjies (Bayonne)
Brok Harris (retired)
Ben Loader (Gloucester)

FAST FACT
The Stormers have a new logo – their first rebrand in nearly three decades – alongside a new jersey and apparel sponsor.

URC FIXTURES
26 September: Leinster (h)
3 October: Ospreys (h)
10 October: Scarlets (a)
18 October: Zebre (a)
25 October: Benetton (a)
29 November: Munster (a)
20 December: Lions (h)
3 January: Bulls (h)
24 January: Sharks (h)
31 January: Sharks (a)
28 February: Lions (a)
14 March: Bulls (a)
21 March: Dragons (h)
28 March: Edinburgh (h)
18 April: Connacht (h)
25 April: Glasgow (h)
8 May: Ulster (a)
15 May: Cardiff (a)

Bulls preview
Lions preview
Sharks preview

What a vibe at our 25/26 Kit Reveal at DHL Stadium last night. #inittogether pic.twitter.com/oUokpfgfXP

— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) August 27, 2025

Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images