Stormers get double Bok boost for France trip

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: A 26-man Stormers squad leaves for France on Monday ahead of their Champions Cup debut against ASM Clermont Auvergne on Saturday.

Springboks Steven Kitshoff and Damian Willemse make their return to the group for the historic match at the Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin.

There are five players on the trip with Champions Cup experience in Kitshoff, Joseph Dweba, Brok Harris, Deon Fourie and Alapati Leuia.

Loose forwards Nama Xaba and Willie Engelbrecht have been ruled out due to minor injuries.

They join the likes of Seabelo Senatla, Sacha Mngomezulu, Evan Roos, Stefan Ungerer, Juan de Jongh, Adre Smith and Scarra Ntubeni who are all unavailable due to long-term injuries.

Frans Malherbe and Marvin Orie are being rested and will both be involved next week for the home game against London Irish.

Head Coach John Dobson said that he is pleased with the blend of youth and experience in the group for what is a big moment for the team.

"This will be a historic occasion for the Stormers and we think we have a group that will be able to do this game justice.

"Some of our best players are back from international duty to join some players who have really put their hands up already in the United Rugby Championship.

"We are all looking forward to the experience and want to take this opportunity to start the tournament with a big result away from home that will give us some real momentum," he said.

Stormers 26-man squad:

Forwards: Hacjivah Dayimani, Ben-Jason Dixon, Joseph Dweba, Connor Evans, Neethling Fouche, Deon Fourie, Brok Harris, Steven Kitshoff, Salmaan Moerat, Junior Pokomela, Gary Porter, Sazi Sandi, Marcel Theunissen, Ernst van Rhyn, Andre-Hugo Venter, Ali Vermaak.

Backs: Clayton Blommetjies, Angelo Davids, Paul de Wet, Dan du Plessis, Herschel Jantjies, Alapati Leuia, Manie Libbok, Ruhan Nel, Damian Willemse, Leolin Zas.