Stormers cool interest in signing veteran Argentina lock Tomas Lavanini

With Salmaan Moerat and Ruben van Heerden heading to the French Top 14, the Stormers were in the market an experienced lock and it seemed that signing Lavanini was edgig closer.

The 33-year-old Argentine spent four seasons in France - three at Clermont and one at Lyon - before a move to the Hurricanes for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Lavanini has been linked with the Sale Sharks, but Stormers were thought to be favourites to land his signature until Dobson decided he would cost too much.

Speaking to Netwerk24, Dobson said: "We would rather put our faith in the local guys like Connor Evans, Riley Norton (Junior Boks captain) and Gary Porter, who are full-blooded Stormers."

The Stormers have also confirmed that they have signed Dylan de Leeuw, the ex-Western Province U21 skipper, on a one-year deal.

Moerat has been signed by La Rochelle, with Van Heerden picked up by Montpellier. Both players featured in last weekend's URC semi-final defeat at Leinster.

After returning to South Africa, Moerat linked up with the Springboks for their upcoming match against the Barbarians, but an injury led to his release and Van Heerden was called up as his replacement.

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