Stormers hold onto fearsome prop

NEWS: Tighthead prop Neethling Fouche has signed a contract extension with the Stormers.

The new deal will see him stay in Cape Town for another three years.

The 30-year-old has developed into a fearsome prop over the last six years in the Western Province Rugby system and is set to continue on that upwards trajectory over the next three years.

Fouche has become a vital cog in the Stormers' engine room, bringing power and technical skills in the tight exchanges and set-pieces, while also providing some impressive skills in the loose.

It was there for all to see over the weekend when the Stormers destroyed the Sharks at scrum time in Durban during a 46-19 win.

He already has 46 Stormers caps and has appeared 33 times for Western Province after six seasons and should add significantly to those tallies in the years ahead.

Stormers head coach John Dobson said that it is fantastic to have Fouche signed on for the prime of his career.

"Neethling has worked hard on his game over the last six years here and we have all seen the results.

"He brings a lot to the team in every aspect of the game. His basics are sound and he is as physical as they come, but also has a good rugby brain, which is so valuable.

"We are looking forward to seeing where Neethling can go in what is usually the prime period for players in his position," he said.

Fouche said that he is looking forward to what the future holds for both himself and the team.

"There is nowhere I would rather be playing my rugby right now and there is a lot to be excited about going forward as a member of this squad.

"How fortunate we are to play rugby for a living. I want to keep challenging myself to hit the highest standards possible while enjoying what I do, and wherever that leads me I'll be happy," he said.