Stormers star wants to play for England
Today at 07:45 AM
Back in 2023, it was confirmed that the Stormers had made an interesting recruit after snapping up English wing Ben Loader, who was capped at U20 level, but had yet to play for England at senior level.
Loader was among the London Irish players looking for new homes after the club fell into administration, and he largely made a positive impression after arriving in the Cape.
The 26-year-old has featured prominently for the Stormers in recent seasons, but the powerful outside back is now set to return to England at the end of the season after reportedly signing a three-year contract with Premiership club Gloucester.
Stormers won’t stand in the way of Ben Loader’s international ambitions
Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson has explained why they will soon be bidding farewell to the English star.
"He wants to play for England. It is hard to play for England from South Africa," Dobson said, as quoted by Rugby365.
"We've got some good youngsters coming through, so it was always going to be more like a sabbatical [for Loader]. When they [London Irish] were going down we thought we liked him and played against him twice in the Champions Cup. He said he couldn't commit to us until he knew the rest of his guys were OK.
"I think he found the London Irish thing very stressful, so it [signing for the Stormers] was always a circuit break for him.
"He said he wants to get back to England and make a bid for England, and we completely accept it. It's not like we aren't trying to – or don't want to – keep him, it was almost always the arrangement if that makes sense."
IN OTHER NEWS
Meanwhile, on Monday, the Lions confirmed that Sanele Nohamba has been granted an early release from his current contract, and will continue his club career in Japan.
"I would just like to thank the Lions for having given me the opportunity to play my rugby here. It's been a memorable two years and an even bigger honour serving the franchise,” he stated.
"To the fans, coaches and my fellow brothers at the Lions – a massive thank you. I wish you nothing but success for many years to come."
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THESE TWO DEPARTURES?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
