Stormers sign ‘Robertson Express’

Speed sensation Lleyton Davids has signed a contract with the Stormers after an impressive pre-season showing.

Known affectionately as the ‘Robertson Express’, the three-time national triple jump champion first caught the eye playing club rugby for Robertson Town.

He was included in the Stormers’ pre-season preparations and scored an incredible try at Faure Street Stadium in Paarl in a practice match against the Bulls.

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Serious potential

Director of Rugby John Dobson said that Davids’ performances in training across pre-season was enough to confirm that he has serious potential.

“Lleyton obviously has searing out-and-out pace, having run a sub-11 second 100 metre barefoot, but what he showed us in pre-season is that he has a real instinct for rugby.

“This is a great example of how our recruitment system is working. While players are being identified at a young age and the Stormers Rugby Institute is developing the best talent, there is still so much untapped potential in our region.

“I saw him playing for Robertson Town live and it was clear that he has something special. Now the onus is on us to develop him as a player to ensure that he can make an impact at a higher level.

“We want to ensure that all local players regardless of where they are playing can see a pathway to our squad. Credit must go to all involved in making this signing happen, especially his agent Shafiek Mouton who went above and beyond,” he said.

‘Dream come true’

Davids said that being given an opportunity like this is incredibly exciting.

“Like any local boy, I grew up watching the Stormers and training with the squad over the past months has been a dream come true.

“I have rubbed shoulders with some great players and I want to show that I can keep improving and that I belong in what is one of the strongest squads in world club rugby,” he said.