John Dobson has confirmed that Springbok prop Wilco Louw will be going back to Cape Town to join the Stormers.
Rapport claimed the Stormers were looking to lure Louw away from the Vodacom Bulls as a long-term replacement for Frans Malherbe, who’s currently receiving treatment for a serious back injury.
Dobson confirmed the report to The Lekker Rugby Pod following his meeting with the player in Port Elizabeth, where the transfer was agreed to.
“Hy’s ‘n Kaapse kind,” said the Stormers director of rugby. “We’re certainly done for this season coming up [2025-26]. There’ll be no new players for this season – that’s an impossibility. I think the discussions are because 1 July was the start of the open season for players who come off their contracts in 2026. We’re not immune to it either – there are some guys who want Warrick [Gelant] who we haven’t tied up yet.”
Dobson added: “[Bulls fans] are safe for this season, but this time next year might be a different story.”
Rapport has quoted a source close to the player, saying a move to the Cape would be appealing for Louw because of his farm in the Cederberg area and his family who still live and farm in the region as well.
“Nothing is finalised yet,” the source told Rapport. “He’s a family man, but if he returns to the Cape, it’ll be for rugby reasons.”
Louw is contracted to the Bulls until June 2026 after which he’ll then resettle in the Cape to do battle for the Stormers.
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JUST IN:Wallabies veteran backtracks on retirement to face Springboks
Wallabies scrum-half Nic White has been included in the Wallabies’ initial Rugby Championship squad, less than a week after playing what appeared to be his farewell Test.
White announced his international retirement prior to the Wallabies’ 22-12 victory over the British and Irish Lions in Sydney last Saturday night.
But a hamstring injury to Jake Gordon has seen White reverse his retirement plans for the time being.
He was included as one of three scrum-halves in the Wallabies’ 35-player squad to face the Springboks in back-to-back Tests in South Africa.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has opted to promote the uncapped Ryan Lonergan, who joins Tate McDermott and White in the wider squad for the
opening two Rugby Championship rounds.
Lonergan is one of three uncapped players selected, alongside winger Corey Toole and ex-All Blacks prop Aidan Ross.
Playmakers Tane Edmed and James O’Connor have also been included.
Edmed has been called up to replace first-choice fly-half Tom Lynagh, who was ruled out with concussion after falling victim to an illegal clean-out in the third and final Lions Test.
Western Force hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa has been officially added to the group, having answered a late call ahead of the final Lions Test after injuries to David Porecki and Matt Faessler last Thursday.
Porecki subsequently announced his retirement this week.
Queensland trio Josh Flook, Josh Nasser and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto are the other three new faces in the squad.
The Wallabies face the Springboks in Johannesburg on August 17 AEST, before travelling to Cape Town for a return bout with the world champions the following week.
“It’s pleasing to be able to keep the core of the group together, while also leaning on some depth and fresh bodies,” Schmidt said.
“We’re very conscious of how difficult it is going to be, playing South Africa on their home turf over two consecutive weekends.
“The group has made some positive steps throughout the start of the Test season but we all know there is a lot of hard work ahead of us.”
Wallabies squad:
Forwards — Angus Bell, Nick Champion De Crespigny, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Tom Robertson, Aidan Ross, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Will Selton, James Slipper, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson
Backs — Ben Donaldson, Tane Edmed, Josh Flook, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Ryan Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, James O’Connor, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Crey Toole, Nic White, Tom Wright
