The DHL Stormers will be strongly represented in the Springbok squad for the upcoming Castle Lager Outgoing Tour in November, with several of the Cape franchise’s standout performers earning national selection — including a first-ever call-up for Zachary Porthen.
Porthen, the former Junior Springbok captain, continues his meteoric rise after making his Vodacom United Rugby Championship debut earlier this year. The powerful prop is the only uncapped player in Rassie Erasmus’s 36-man squad and will join six of his Stormers teammates on the tour.
Fellow forwards Ben-Jason Dixon and Gerhard Steenekamp make their first appearances of the season, while Jean Kleyn returns from injury. In the backline, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Damian Willemse retain their spots, underlining the Stormers’ consistent contribution to the national setup.
Several Stormers players have also been named on the standby list, including Salmaan Moerat, Neethling Fouché, and Evan Roos, showcasing the depth of talent within the Cape side’s ranks.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus praised the balance in the squad and the pipeline of emerging players from local franchises:
“It’s great to see young talents like Zachary coming through the Stormers’ system. The franchise has been instrumental in developing players who are ready for international rugby.”
The Springboks face a demanding five-Test schedule starting 1 November against Japan at Wembley Stadium, followed by France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales.
With Siya Kolisi poised to reach his 100th Test cap during the tour, the Stormers contingent — both on the field and on standby — will play a key role in the team’s drive for consistency and excellence on the international stage.
From Porthen’s debut to the leadership of Willemse and Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s growing maturity, this tour is set to highlight the Stormers’ ongoing impact on South African rugby — a testament to the strength of Cape Town’s rugby production line.
