Two experienced props have joined the Stormers ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Loosehead prop Oli Kebble came through the junior ranks in Cape Town and played 47 games for the Stormers before moving to Scotland in 2017 where he earned 12 Test caps for his adopted country. He has been brought in as a trade, with Sti Sithole heading to the Vodacom Bulls.
The Cheetahs’ Hencus van Wyk is another seasoned campaigner who will add significant value as a tighthead prop known for his power and impressive scrumming technique. Given his experience in many different environments, he will also provide valuable mentorship to the young props in the system such as Zachary Porthen, Herman Lubbe and Oli Reid, who all showed their considerable potential in the Currie Cup.
The Stormers have also signed two junior props, Jordan Jooste from Paarl Boys’ High and Joseph Udo Idung from DHS.
Jooste played for SA Schools this year, while Idung missed out on selection for the national team due to injury but is considered a top prospect after a dominant school season.
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“Oli and Hencus will add significant depth to our current senior squad,” said Stormers director of rugby John Dobson. “Both players understand what is required to deliver at this level and we are looking forward to seeing the impact they both have on our system.
“We have recently lost the likes of Steven Kitshoff and Frans Malherbe to long-term injuries and with Neethling Fouche now in the Springbok mix, it was important to find some experienced heads to come in.
“It is always good to have quality to compete for places in the squad and they will also play an important role in developing the talented young front row forwards we have here. We have seen the benefit of this approach in the past and expect Oli and Hencus to have a major impact on the younger players who are coming through.
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“Jordan and Joseph have both been stand-outs in school rugby this year and along with the incredibly talented group that we announced earlier in the year, we expect them to keep developing and growing in the years to come,” he added.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
