Loose-forward Junior Pokomela has signed on to play for the DHL Stormers for the next three years.
Pokomela joined the DHL Stormers as a loan player from the Toyota Cheetahs at the start of the current Vodacom Rugby Championship season and signed a contract with Western Province earlier in the year. He has settled so well into the Cape rugby environment and team systems and become so valuable to the Stormers that both parties would not have thought twice before signing a contract that will connect Pokomela with the Stormers until at least 2024.
By all accounts, Pokomela has impressed with his work ethic and his ability to play anywhere in the back row, from No 6 through to No 8, adds to the value he brings to his new franchise.
“It is great to know I am settled here in Cape Town for the next three years for what is an important phase of my rugby career,” said the 25-year-old in the press release announcing the extension of his contract.
“I have really enjoyed the environment here and feel that I have the opportunity to challenge myself and grow further with the players and coaches around me.”
Head coach John Dobson said that in addition to the exciting attributes Pokomela brings as a player, he also has other qualities that make him an attractive prospect for the Stormers going forward.
“Junior is a driven individual with great leadership potential. He has an incredibly high ceiling as a player and the way he goes about his work is a great example to everyone,” said Dobson.
“There are few players who work as hard or are as committed to the cause as Junior is. That is the type of player we need here as we look to grow as a team over the next few years. So we are thrilled he has decided to make Cape Town his home.”