Speedster Leolin Zas is relishing the opportunity to join the Stormers’ centurion ranks and mark the occasion with a big victory in Galway.
The 30-year-old entered the 2026-27 campaign on 99 appearances and is set to reach the century milestone against Connacht on Friday night.
He began his professional career with the Stormers and made his senior debut in 2016, then joined the Sharks for the 2018 Super Rugby season and spent two years in Durban before returning to Cape Town in 2020.
Zas has become an elite Stormers finisher, winning the 2021-22 URC’s top try-scorer award as part of a lethal back three alongside Warrick Gelant and Seabelo Senatla.
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“I’ve been with the Stormers a long time. This is basically the only place I know. I have a good relationship with the people around me,” Zas said.
“It would have been ideal to have it at home but given what I’ve been through, I’ll take it with both hands. It’s up to me to make it special on Friday.”
Zas has endured several injury setbacks in his career, notably an ankle injury that ruled him out of the 2022 URC final at Cape Town Stadium.
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“When you go through stuff like that, every minute on the field is a blessing. I won’t take that for granted,” he said.
“Credit must go to the coaches and everybody around me who believes in me and puts me on the field.
“It will probably be quite emotional later in the week but I just have to go out there and give it my best, and hopefully the team can make it special on Friday with a big W.”
Assistant coach Dawie Snyman added: “It’s a great milestone. It was a different road for him compared to a few others, but we jumped at the opportunity when we heard he was available to come back.”
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Zas describes his relationship with Gelant and Senatla as built on each other’s individual skills that helps them combine effectively.
He also praises younger wings like Joel Leotlela, adding that competition brings the best out of him as he mentors the next-gen with the smaller details of their game.
On Friday’s challenge, Zas reckons it has worked out well that the Stormers’ season begins abroad, giving John Dobson’s charges an opportunity to test their preparations on foreign soil.
Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images
The post Zas eyes special W in milestone outing appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Speedster Leolin Zas is relishing the opportunity to join the Stormers’ centurion ranks and mark the occasion with a big victory in Galway.
The post Zas eyes special W in milestone outing appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
