John Dobson confirmed on 13 April 2026 that lock Ruben van Heerden is available for selection for the DHL Stormers' upcoming United Rugby Championship (URC) clash against Connacht.
Van Heerden has been sidelined since early February 2026 after undergoing surgery on a thumb injury sustained against the Hollywoodbets Sharks. His return is seen as vital "relief" for the Stormers' depleted second-row resources.
“Ruben is available this week, and Salmaan is a few weeks away, but we’re getting there in terms of depth.”
“It was our depth at lock that drove us to some of our victories earlier in the season and we have missed having that depth while Salmaan and Ruben have been out. Fortunately, they will both be back for the playoffs, with Ruben back this week.”
Dobson noted that van Heerden's return will ease some of the strain on the two fit locks, JD Schickerling and Adre Smith.
“It makes a big difference to us if we have guys like JD and Adre coming off the bench for us,” said Dobson.
Before his injury, Van Heerden was a central figure for the Stormers, having made more tackles (185) than any other player in the URC this season.
Despite his immediate return to boost the Stormers' campaign, Van Heerden is set to leave the franchise at the end of the season to join French club Montpellier, while Salmaan Moerat is set to join La Rochelle.
We didn’t expect to lose two locks. We’ve known for some time about Ruben going to Montpellier, and then Salmaan got his opportunity at Montpellier”
Dobson said the lack of available quality locks in South Africa had complicated recruitment.
“We are talking to one player overseas, but it’s just a conversation at the moment and nothing more,” Dobson said.
