Stormers Bring Home Wilco Louw in Major Prop Signing

The Stormers have pulled off a headline-grabbing move, confirming that Springbok prop Wilco Louw will return to Cape Town at the start of the 2026/27 season.

For fans in the Mother City, it’s a homecoming that feels more like a reunion with family. Louw, now 31, cut his teeth in Stormers colours a decade ago before jetting off on a rugby journey that saw him pack down in France with Toulon, test himself in England with Harlequins, and muscle through scrums for the Bulls.

A Local Boy Comes Full Circle

Born and raised in Worcester, where he starred for HTS Drostdy, Louw grew up supporting the Stormers. His powerful scrummaging and relentless work rate earned him 46 Stormers caps and a Springbok debut in 2017. Today, he returns as a seasoned campaigner, respected worldwide as one of the most dominant front-rowers in the game.

Director of Rugby John Dobson was clear about what this signing means: “Wilco made his name here in Cape Town. Bringing him back shows exactly where we want to go as a team. His quality will sharpen our scrum culture, and his character will lift the squad.”

Why This Signing Matters

For the Stormers, this isn’t just about adding muscle to the pack. Louw’s presence speaks to the franchise’s long-term ambitions. At a time when South African rugby is competing fiercely on both local and international stages, securing a prop of his calibre underlines their commitment to staying among the elite.

Social media has already lit up with excitement. Stormers supporters are celebrating the “big man’s” return, with many fans calling it one of the most important signings since the team’s rise in the United Rugby Championship.

Louw’s Take On His Return

While he remains committed to finishing the current season with his present team, Louw is already looking ahead with anticipation. “I’m excited about what the future holds in Cape Town. I know the players, the coaches, and the culture, so this feels like the right move for me both on and off the field,” he shared.

For Cape rugby fans, his words ring with nostalgia and promise. The thought of Louw once again anchoring the scrum at Cape Town Stadium is already stirring anticipation for the seasons to come.

{Source:SABC Sport}

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