A group of Suzuki Griquas players will join the DHL Stormers squad for their pre-season preparations as part of the development agreement between the two teams.
The agreement, announced earlier this year, enables players to move easily between the two squads to their mutual benefit via a loan structure. It also includes collaboration on staff development, providing opportunities for staff to learn from one another and share best practices.
This partnership has seen various DHL Stormers players such as Sazi Sandi and Connor Evans get valuable gametime in Suzuki Griquas colours this year and with the Kimberley team’s Carling Currie Cup campaign now concluded there are a few players who will join the DHL Stormers squad as they prepare for the upcoming Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
Fullback Connor Mahoney, lock Dylan Sjoblom and prop Leon Lyons have all joined the DHL Stormers squad already as preparations for the upcoming campaign step up, with wing Dylan Maart, loose forward Marco de Witt and prop Cebo Dlamini set to join them at a later stage.
Wing and Springbok Sevens star Sako Makata has returned to the DHL Stormers fold, having played for the Suzuki Griquas in the Carling Currie Cup on loan as part of the agreement.
DHL Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson said that it is fantastic to see the agreement working for both teams as well as players based in Cape Town and Kimberley.
“It was so valuable for some of our players to get some gametime for the Suzuki Griquas in the SA Cup earlier this year and now we see the agreement working the other way as we ramp up preparations for the Vodacom URC, which is three weeks away.
“We have seen some stand-out performances from these Six players in the Carling Currie Cup and we are looking forward to working with them to see what they can add in our system.
“This is an important step forward in this partnership we have formed with the Suzuki Griquas, and we are looking forward to seeing it grow further in the future,” he said.
Suzuki Griquas CEO Arni van Rooyen said that this collaboration is a prime example of how working relationships can foster growth and excellence in South African rugby.
“By leveraging each other’s strengths, resources, and expertise, both teams benefit from a shared pool of talent and knowledge.
“This synergy not only enhances their competitive edge but also contributes to the overall development of players and the game itself. The partnership underscores the value of unity and cooperation in achieving common goals and driving success on and off the field,” he added.
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Sport Trivia: Who was the first woman swimmer to win both the 100m and 200m breaststroke at the Olympics? Answer: Penny Heyns. She won both the 100m and 200m breaststroke events at the 1996 Olympics, the first woman to do so. She broke the world and Olympic records for the 100m breaststroke and broke the Olympic record for the 200m breaststroke. In 1999 she held 5 out of a possible 6 world breaststroke records, the first time this had ever been achieved (50m, 100m and 200m, plus same distances in 25m short course pool) — the one she \”missed\” was the 200m short course.