Ruben van Heerden has hit the ground running since joining the DHL Stormers on a short-term deal and the experienced lock admits that he would “love” to make his move long-term. DYLAN JACK reports.
Van Heerden joined the Stormers on a short-term contract after a premature end to his stint with English Premiership side Exeter Chiefs.
Since moving to Cape Town, the former Vodacom Bulls and Sharks second rower has been a massive hit, memorably scoring his first try for the Stormers in the coastal derby in Durban in February.
Speaking to the media from Dublin as the Stormers prepare for the clash against Leinster, Van Heerden was asked whether he would like to make his move to the Cape permanent.
“Off the field, I have been loving every moment. It’s a special group and a special culture. It’s one that I want to be a part of. Without a doubt, my heart wants to stay here. My wife enjoys Cape Town, so she wants to stay,” Van Heerden said.
“There’s nothing we can disclose at this moment, but I have been loving every moment, I would like to stay here and I can see myself staying here for quite a long time. I would love to stay for a long time.”
The 25-year-old Van Heerden is the latest player to rediscover his best form at the Stormers, following a trend set by the likes of Manie Libbok, Hacjivah Dayimani, Evan Roos and Leolin Zas.
“It’s actually interesting to see players coming in and flourishing at the Stormers,” he said. “It really is a special environment. I used to hear about it when I was on the outside, but now that I’m actually here, I can feel it. We don’t have any egos in the team. Everyone works together and gets along. We have a good blend of older and younger guys. Everyone just buys into the management and coaching. Everything just gels.
“In an environment like this, you can’t not flourish. Having coaches that back you the way that they do, that are upfront the way they are, you want to give your all for coaches like that. You want to go above and beyond the call of duty. A happy player is a good player and I am happy in the environment. All credit goes to the coaching staff. Keeping a squad of 50 players happy is a tough task, but they are doing it.”
First time out in the blue and white at DHL Stadium for Ruben van Heerden and he was blown away by the support. #STOvSHA #iamastormer #dhldelivers @Vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/wdik7bH06O
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) March 4, 2023
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Photo: Twitter/@THESTORMERS