The Stormers are set to address their growing injury concerns in the engine room by welcoming back a familiar face.
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With their lock stocks stretched following recent setbacks, the Cape side is poised to bring in experienced cover rather than rushing into the market for a specialist second-rower.
News24 reports that Hacjivah Dayimani is expected back in Cape Town imminently after a brief stint abroad. The dynamic loose forward secured an early release from the Stormers at the end of the 2023-24 season to join Racing 92, but has opted not to extend his deal in France.
Dayimani featured 19 times for Racing, scoring three tries, and is understood to be available for selection as early as the Stormers’ next Vodacom URC clash against the Lions on 28 February.
His return is expected to be short-term, providing cover until the end of the season.
The Stormers’ injury woes have been compounded by surgeries to locks Salmaan Moerat and Ruben van Heerden, who are both facing extended spells on the sidelines.
That has left Adre Smith, JD Schickerling and Connor Evans as the only recognised locks available.
News24 claims the Stormers plan to use Dayimani’s physicality and underrated lineout ability, while shifting Ben-Jason Dixon – an excellent aerial option – back into a role at No 4 lock that he has filled previously.
Hard-nosed forward Ruben van Heerden is the latest to be ruled out after undergoing thumb surgery. He’s expected to be sidelined for around three months, joining Stormers captain Salmaan Moerat on the long-term injury list.
Moerat recently underwent surgery on a toe injury and is only targeting a return in roughly four months’ time, depriving the Stormers of both leadership and physical presence in the engine room.
It’s not great timing. The Stormers are already under pressure after losing their last two URC matches to the Sharks without picking up a bonus point, and they resume their league campaign on 28 February with a high-stakes derby against the Lions in Johannesburg.
