Dobson relishes back row depth as Ackermann joins Stormers' loose trio mix

Dobson sees Ackermann as primarily offering cover for Roos, who will be away on Springbok duty for large parts of the remainder of the year, but also sees a possibility to use both players in a more explosive loose trio - highlighting a potential combination of Ackermann, Ben-Jason Dixon, and Roos as one he's eager to unleash.

Dixon recently committed to the franchise until 2027, following the resolution of an arbitration process that was threatening to put his availability in doubt, meaning the Stormers will have some welcome depth in the back row next season.

"We could end up with Ruan at 6, BJ at 7 and Evan at No 8 if you wanted to be really physical with Paul [de Villiers] and Marcel [Theunissen] coming off the bench," Dobson told reporters.

The Stormers coach is eager to ease the burden on Roos, however, who often plays the entire 80 minutes and plays a key role in both defence and attack.

"There is also the option of Ruan and Evan sharing game time, because we were going to injure Evan if we carried on playing him for 80 minutes and asking him to do what we did," he added.

"I would say Ruan is always in the [matchday] 23. There's also the option of BJ at No 4 while Salmaan [Moerat] is away [on Springbok duty]", the Stormers Director of Rugby added.

With the Stormers set for an early-season European tour, Dobson now appears to have the depth to rotate his heavy hitters without compromising on physicality or intensity.

READ MORE: Bok Women's Jakkie Cilliers eager to impress at Loftus