Watch VideoStormers hit with another lock blow as Salmaan Moerat set for stint in France next season

Springboks and Stormers lock Salmaan Moerat is set to exchange Cape Town for France next season with a move to champion club La Rochelle. TheStormersare on the hunt for a replacement lock, with club captain andSpringboksecond-rower Salmaan Moerat swapping Cape Town for La Rochelle at the end of the season. Moerat will depart with the blessing of the only team he has represented in his professional career, as he embarks on a new chapter abroad.

He will link up with former Stormers back Dillyn Leyds, who is now an established figure at the former European champions. The 28-year-old is currently sidelined following toe surgery but is expected to returnin time for the United Rugby Championship (URC) playoffs. Meanwhile, his regular second-row partner Ruben van Heerden is also set to leave Cape Town, having signed with Montpellier.

The impending departure of two first-choice locks leaves the Stormers with a significant gap to fill. Their current options include JD Schickerling, Adré Smith, Conor Evans and Gary Porter, along with several promising youngsters in the broader squad. However, the need for an experienced URC campaigner is likely to push recruitment beyond the Cape. Bulls lock Cobus Wiese has already declined an opportunity to return to his former side, opting instead to remain in Pretoria.