The Stormers Rugby Institute is back, and the man at the helm explains why it matters.
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Last operational in 2018, the institute has been revived as part of the Stormers’ Project 2029 vision to streamline the playing talent that comes through the Stormers Rugby pathway.
“Every player you buy is twice as expensive as one you develop yourself,” Jacques Hanekom told news24.
For Hanekom, the argument is simple: if you want sustained success, you must build from within.
“You don’t have access to the best players if you don’t develop them yourself … You also get loyalty. The guys grew up together, struggled together here … they stick it out.”
The original institute helped shape the likes of Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth and Frans Malherbe before financial strain at Western Province Rugby forced its shutdown.
It’s not a glamorous investment, but it’s a necessary one. Development costs money and doesn’t deliver immediate returns,” Hanekom explains.
He is quick to share credit, though, pointing to the original architects of the programme and stressing that schools and parents play a major role in a player’s journey.
“A lot of people played a big role. To say one structure made them is a farce.”
2026 Stormers Rugby Institute intake
Jayden Brits, Boland Landbou (scrumhalf)
Randall-John Davids, Rondebosch Boys (centre)
Zak Hickman, Paul Roos (prop)
Jordan Jooste, Paarl Boys (prop)
Gert Kemp, Paul Roos (loose forward)
AJ Meyer, Grey College (lock)
Markus Muller, Paarl Gim (centre)
Quintin Potgieter, Paarl Gim (loose forward)
Altus Rabe, Paul Roos (hooker)
Jordan Steenkamp, Paul Roos (wing)
Joseph Udo-Idung, DHS (prop)
Matt van der Merwe, Rondebosch Boys (prop)
Stormers director of rugby John Dobson says the intent behind Project 2029 is about creating a sustainable system capable of winning now and well beyond the decade’s end.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Vodacom URC north-south derby against the Bulls at Cape Town Stadium, Dobson moved to provide clarity about the project, saying the recent narrative suggesting the Stormers were “only planning to win in 2029” had missed the point.
“That’s anything but the truth,” he said. “We want to win on Saturday. We want to win right now. Project 2029 is not about waiting – it’s about building properly so we can keep winning.”
Dobson explained that the project is a macro vision, centred on sustainability, depth and pathways, rather than quick fixes.
