The DHL Stormers have been boosted by the news that the deadly finishing ability of wing Leolin Zas will be available to them for the next three years.
The 27-year-old is the latest Stormers stalwart to sign a contract extension as the players in the system continue to endorse the environment created by South Africa’s Coach of the Year, John Dobson, and his assistants and fellow management members at the Cape franchise.
Zas suffered a serious injury after his breakthrough season for the Stormers in 2016 that for a while threatened to end his career, and he left for the Cell C Sharks not long after his recovery. At the time it was felt that Zas wouldn’t be able to regain the blistering pace and explosiveness that made him such a dangerous player before being injured playing in a pre-season game.
However, Zas returned from Durban with a point to prove and he did that, with what you could call his second breakthrough coming last season, when he was an influential player in the Stormers’ fairytale Vodacom United Rugby Championship winning season even though he was unfortunately injured ahead of the final against the Vodacom Bulls.
Zas is currently out injured but assistant coach Dawie Snyman hinted earlier in the week that his return to the playing field is not too far away.
“Leolin is a deadly finisher, that much is obvious to anyone who has watched us play over the last year,” said Stormers coach John Dobson in announcing Zas’ three-year contract extension with the Cape franchise.
“What is perhaps even more impressive is the way he has come back from injury time and again and grown his game over the years to become the player he is today. He is exactly the kind of player you want to have on your side, so to know he is here for another three years lifts the entire squad.”
Zas in turn is delighted to remain committed to the team he loves playing for.
“I already have so many fond and happy memories of the Stormers jersey. I made my debut when I was 19 and each time feels just as special as it did then. I am excited to see what can be achieved here and very happy to be part of that journey for the next three years.”
Zas was last year rewarded for his good form with selection to the South Africa A squad.