Stormers weigh up captaincy call as Snyman backs Paul De Villiers for future

Nel was a late withdrawal from last weekend's Investec Champions Cup encounter against Bristol Bears due to a calf injury, with Paul de Villiers stepping in as captain for the match.

Snyman said the Stormers would assess their leadership options once the team had been selected, with Siya Kolisi, Deon Fourie, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and De Villiers among the candidates.

"We'll have to look at the team selected first and see who the leaders in the group are," Snyman said on Monday.

"We've always had options. We've had Siya there in the past, and Sacha has led the team."

Snyman also backed De Villiers as a potential captain for the future, praising the young loose forward's composure and leadership qualities after he filled in for Nel against Bristol.

"He's definitely one for the future. He's very calm in his approach. He leads by example, everyone understands him and he knows what the big moments are in matches," Snyman said.

The Stormers are also taking a cautious approach with Nel's injury, with Snyman explaining that the decision to withdraw the 35-year-old against Bristol was largely precautionary.

"He could have pushed [Nel on Saturday]," Snyman said.

"On a calf, if you rip it, then it's a little bit longer term. So we didn't want to take a chance there."

Meanwhile, the Stormers could welcome Hacjivah Dayimani back into contention after he sustained a concussion.

"Hacjivah had his concussion, but he should be available this week," Snyman added.

"We're actually in a good position with those opportunities or players available."

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