The DHL Stormers have been boosted ahead of the next Vodacom United Rugby Championship season by the return of Springbok fullback Warrick Gelant.
One of the stars of the Stormers’ successful 2021/2022 URC campaign, Gelant returns to the Cape after spending a season in France.
Gelant was set to be away for longer but the lure of the vibe he enjoyed at the Stormers after moving down from the Bulls a few years back proved too strong and he has signed a three-year contract with the Cape franchise.
?????????????? ??
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) August 4, 2023
We can't wait to see @WarrickGelant back in a DHL Stormers jersey and tearing it up again. ??#iamastormer #dhldelivers pic.twitter.com/vachB7BgVk
This will be great news for Stormers supporters as Gelant was very much the catalyst for the brilliant counter-attacking game that saw them rise from no-hopers to champions in the inaugural URC season.
Gelant’s return has been an open secret for a while but the move was confirmed by the Stormers on Friday and partially explains the Stormers’ lack of interest when current Bok first choice Willie le Roux was made available to them.
Le Roux has subsequently signed for the Bulls.
ADD VALUE ON AND OFF THE FIELD
Stormers head coach John Dobson said everyone involved with the Cape team was thrilled to have Gelant back in Cape Town.
“We have all seen what Warrick can do, we know how well his considerable skill set suits how we want to play,” said Dobson.
“He is a highly professional player who will add value on and off the field as we look to build on what we have achieved over the last two seasons. We obviously jumped at the opportunity to have him back in our squad and we are looking forward to seeing him light up the pitch in a Stormers jersey once again.”
Gelant said he was delighted to be back and is already back in training for the season that starts in October.
“It is great to be back and the hard work in pre-season has already begun,” said Gelant.
“I followed the team closely last year when I was away and I am really pleased to be part of it again. The team can achieve even greater things with the players and coaches we have here, along with the unbelievable support, and I couldn’t be happier to be back on board,” he added.