Stormers tie down front-row powerhouse

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The Stormers have completed another shrewd bit of business by securing the services of tighthead prop Neethling Fouche on a new long-term contract.

The experienced scrum anchor has signed a three-year extension with the Cape outfit, who last week confirmed the signing of double World Cup-winning Springbok Cobus Reinach from next season.

Since joining the squad in 2018, Fouche has earned 88 Stormers caps along with 36 for Western Province and will add significantly to those having signed a new contract that will keep him in the blue and white until at least 2028.

Fouche has established himself as a key player for the Stormers, providing immense power and a carefully honed technique at scrum-time along with some neat touches around the park when required.

The 32-year-old has been a consistent performer for several years and has also stepped up to a leadership role.

Despite significant interest from several overseas clubs, Fouche has committed his future to the Stormers which he believes will give him the best chance of representing his country.

Director of rugby John Dobson said that he expects Fouche to become even more influential for the Stormers over the next three years.

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We’ve got @johneetfouche doing his thing up front for another three years. #iamastormer#neetas#propstarpic.twitter.com/F6xHb6fA2I

— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) January 21, 2025

"Neethling is an incredible team man and as a tighthead prop is coming into his prime, so we are looking forward to even bigger things from him,” he said.

"He competes with one of the greatest ever tightheads Frans Malherbe and keeps pushing his standards, so it is understandable that many other teams would love to have a player of Neethling's stature in their squad.

"He is another player that has completely bought into the project here and plays a key role in helping develop the next generation of front-row stars, so we are thrilled to have him on our books for another three years," he said.

Fouche said that playing for the Stormers is something that he will never take for granted.

"Every time I put on the Stormers jersey I get quite emotional. This team means the world to me and I honestly don't want to play my rugby anywhere else,” he said.

"Driving into work and staring at Table Mountain, I don't know where else you can get that. I have rubbed shoulders with some legends of the game here and will keep pushing myself to improve.

"This squad has the potential to achieve great things, we are only at the beginning.”

Photo: Roberto Bregani/Gallo Images

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