Ruan Ackermann is confirmed to have suffered a serious neck injury, which could sideline him for four to six months, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2025/2026 season.
The Stormers have de-registered Ackerman for the Investec Champions Cup and added lock Alex Groves to the squad as a replacement with two weeks remaining in the pool stages ahead of the knockout rounds.
Ackermann’s absence adds to a growing injury list within the Stormers pack. Loosehead prop Ali Vermaak has also been removed from the Champions Cup squad after sustaining an ankle injury during last weekend’s Vodacom URC clash against the Bulls. The front-rower is now facing a period on the sidelines, further stretching the Stormers’ depth up front.
Centre Dan du Plessis remains out of action, while tighthead prop Corne Weilbach is another forward no longer registered for the competition. Luke Burger, Blitzboks speedster Mfundo Ndhlovu, and young loose forward Wandi Mlaba have all been registered ahead of Sunday’s clash against Harlequins in London.