Stormers announce signing of new scrumhalf

The Stormers have already announced a star-studded squad for the 2026/27 season, but scrumhalf is a position where they have wanted to bolster their ranks as the result of a long-term injury to Imad Khan, and the fact that Cobus Reinach will be unavailable when on Springbok duty.

It’s now been confirmed that experienced scrumhalf Andre Warner has joined the Stormers on a six-month loan as part of the partnership with the Seattle Seawolves.

The 33-year-old comes with significant experience, having played for two South African clubs and French team Stade Francais before heading to America earlier this year.

Stormers Rugby has a positive working relationship with the Seawolves, who visited Cape Town earlier this year and spent a week immersed in training with the home side in the build-up to the friendly between the Seattle Seawolves and the Stormers XXIII.

More to come for Stormers

As Warner arrives, so the Stormers are soon expected to also confirm the arrival of Haashim Pead, who the Lions confirmed on Monday would be leaving the club.

“Pead, who began his professional career at the Lions in 2024, has made the decision to continue his rugby journey in the Western Cape,” a Lions statement read.

“During his time in Johannesburg, he established himself as a standout talent, earning his senior domestic debut in the Currie Cup against the Bulls followed by an international debut against the Newcastle Red Bulls.

“Following an exceptional rise through the ranks, Pead was named the Junior Player of the Year in 2025. His consistently impressive performances at domestic level recently earned him a call-up to Rassie Erasmus’s Springbok alignment camp for the 2025/26 season.”

Important additions

Dobson said that Warner will add immense value, with the 26/27 season kicking off this week.

“Andre has been really impressive since joining up with us in pre-season. He has been a consistent performer for many years, and you can see why in the professionalism he brings.

“We have had some injuries at scrumhalf, so to be able to bring a player like Andre in is hugely helpful.

“He showed his worth in our pre-season match in Paarl and will also be able to help develop some of the exciting young players in our system as well,” he added.