The DHL Stormers have reportedly secured the signing of an experienced loosehead prop to fill the big shoes of outgoing captain Steven Kitshoff.
Kitshoff played his final game for the Stormers in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship final, as the loosehead prop will join Irish side Ulster next season.
While it was always going to be difficult to find a replacement for a player who made over 100 appearances for his side, the Stormers have started getting their business done early.
Lizo Gqoboka is set to make his way down to the Western Cape in a massive boost to the Stormers’ front-row stocks.
Vodacom Bulls chief executive Edgar Rathbone confirmed in a report by Netwerk24 that an agreement has been reached to release Gqoboka early from his contract.
The 33-year-old Gqoboka has made over 70 appearances for the Vodacom Bulls after moving to Pretoria from the Eastern Province Kings in 2015.
Gqoboka also brings international experience, having enjoyed a short stint at French giants Montpellier in 2019, and is a capped Springbok.
Lions loosehead prop Sti Stihole is also expected to join the Stormers, where he started his professional career in 2014.
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