Stormers star Salmaan Moerat off to pastures new up North

The club has not been confirmed, but the rumour mill suggests that Moerat will join French giants La Rochelle alongside David Kriel of the Bulls.

A proud product of the Western Cape, Moerat came through the system as captain of Paarl Boys High and the Western Province U18 side at the 2016 Craven Week. He would go on to lead the Junior Springboks and in 2018, made his Stormers debut against the Highlanders in Dunedin.

Moerat has earned 70 Stormers caps since then and captained the team in their historic first URC game against Benetton in Treviso in 2021. He has led the Stormers as club captain for the past two seasons and has also served as Springbok captain in that time.

Director of Rugby John Dobson said that while it is tough to see a player who has played such an influential role at the club go, Stormers Rugby was never going to stand in his way.

"Salmaan embodies a lot of what we are about as a team," he told the Stormers website.

"He is a homegrown talent from a renowned rugby family who has earned the respect of teammates and opponents alike through his selfless approach on and off the field.

"This is a significant opportunity for him and his young family to achieve financial security that would not be possible here. He will always be a part of us and hopefully will return home at some stage," he said.

Moerat said that his connection with the Stormers will always be there.

"I grew up dreaming of playing for this team and the memories I have will stay with me forever," said the rangy lock.

"This move will hopefully be a positive one for me as a rugby player and for my family and I'd love to return to play for the Stormers one day. It will always be home for me."

READ MORE: Ma'a Nonu cops lengthy ban for high shot on Stormers player