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Stormers secure the signature of Springboks fullback from rival Bulls
By Online Editors
Springbok fullback Warrick Gelant has signed with Western Province Rugby, adding considerable experience and pedigree to the Stormers backline.
The fleet-footed World Cup winner, who turns 25 on Wednesday, is one of the most exciting outside backs in South Africa and will add firepower to a Stormers backline which already features the likes of Herschel Jantjies, Damian Willemse, Sebaelo Senatla and Sergeal Petersen.
The acquisition of Gelant, whose contract had run its term opening the way for him to play his rugby in the Cape, forms part of the long-term planning and contracting model in place at Western Province Rugby. His presence is expected to have a significant influence on young stars such as Rikus Pretorius and Kade Wolhuter who have committed their futures to the Stormers.
Stormers head coach John Dobson said that Gelant’s arrival is a major boost.
“Warrick has established himself as one of the most dynamic backline players in South Africa, so we could not be more thrilled to have him on our books going forward.
“With Dillyn Leyds leaving, we couldn’t have asked for anyone better to step into the 15 jersey. I am sure his presence will also have a hugely positive influence on the players around him.
“We are also looking forward to giving Damian Willemse the opportunity to settle at flyhalf going forward, with Warrick providing his trademark strike threat from the back.
“Warrick is a deadly finisher with a wonderful feel for the game and awareness of space, which is just what we need for the talent we already have in the backline to thrive,” he said.
Gelant said that he is looking forward to linking up with his new teammates and starting an exciting new phase in his career.
“I can’t wait to join up with the Stormers and I’m very excited about what the future holds. I want to take my game to new heights and I believe that working with the players and the coaches at the Stormers will help me to do that,” he said.
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Latest Comments
No he's just limited in what he can do. Like Scott Robertson.
Go to commentsDont complain too much or start jumping to conclusions.
Here in NZ commentators have been blabbing that our bottom pathway competition the NPC (provincial teams only like Taranaki, Wellington etc)is not fit for purpose ie supplying players to Super rugby level then they started blabbing that our Super Rugby comp (combined provincial unions making up, Crusaders, Hurricanes, etc) wasn't good enough without the South African teams and for the style SA and the northern powers play at test level.
Here is what I reckon, Our comps are good enough for how WE want to play rugby not how Ireland, SA, England etc play. Our comps are high tempo, more rucks, mauls, running plays, kicks in play, returns, in a game than most YES alot of repetition but that builds attacking skillsets and mindsets. I don't want to see world teams all play the same they all have their own identity and style as do England (we were scared with all this kind of talk when they came here) World powerhouse for a reason, losses this year have been by the tiniest of margins and could have gone either way in alot of games. Built around forward power and blitz defence they have got a great attack Wingers are chosen for their Xfactor now not can they chase up and unders all day. Stick to your guns its not far off
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