Riley Norton is among several returning players named in the Stormers’ 29-man squad for Friday’s pre-season clash against the Vodacom Bulls in Paarl.
The former Junior Boks captain was earmarked to make his Springbok debut after an impressive outing against the Barbarians in June. He played all 80 minutes, carried eight times, completed all 11 of his tackles, and won four lineouts.
A hamstring injury ultimately prevented him from making his Test debut against England at Ellis Park.
MORE: Riley set for new Stormers role
Norton, JD Schickerling, Jurie Matthee, Olly Reid, Sazi Sandi and Lukhanyo Vokozela have all recovered from their respective injuries and will get valuable game time at Faure Street Stadium.
The Stormers will also give backs Andre Warner and Lleyton Davids an opportunity as John Dobson’s side steps up its preparations for the new URC season.
The Stormers get their campaign underway with a tough assignment away to Connacht in Galway on 25 September. Dobson believes the clash with the Bulls will provide an important reality check after an intense training camp in Hermanus.
ALSO: Bulls load up on Boks for Paarl trip
“We’ve made some good plans and put in some hard work in training, but there is nothing like match situations against quality opposition to show you where you really stand. We are also using this match to bring a fair number of players back from injury and give them some gametime,” said the Stormers director of rugby.
Stormers squad:
Forwards: Luan Botha, Hacjivah Dayimani, Connor Evans, Neethling Fouche, Herman Lubbe, Louw Nel, Vernon Matongo, Riley Norton, Xola Nyali, Vernon Paulo, Gary Porter, Olly Reid, Sazi Sandi, JD Schickerling, Andre-Hugo Venter, Lukhanyo Vokozela.
Backs: Yaqeen Ahmed, Gino Cupido, Lleyton Davids, Mfundo Ndhlovu, Jurie Matthee, JC Mars, Dylan Miller, Markus Muller, Ezekiel Ngobeni, Jonathan Roche, Wandisile Simelane, Kyle Smith, Andre Warner.
Wouldn’t be pre-season without a Bronco!
Head of Athletic Performance Steph du Toit puts the squad through their paces on camp in Hermanus.#inittogether pic.twitter.com/iADOGwtHLd
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) September 7, 2026
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Riley returns for Stormers refresher appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Riley Norton is among several returning players named in the Stormers’ 29-man squad for Friday’s pre-season clash against the Vodacom Bulls in Paarl.
The post Riley returns for Stormers refresher appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
