DHL Stormers start Vodacom URC campaign in Joburg

The DHL Stormers will start their 2023/24 Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign in Johannebsurg on Saturday, where they will face the Emirates Lions in a South African derby.

The Round One encounter will kick-off at 16h00 on Saturday at Emirates Airline Park.

With pre-season now a thing of the past, the DHL Stormers have switched into game mode as they aim to hit the ground running in the new season.

Last season saw the DHL Stormers play in a second consecutive home final at DHL Stadium, going down narrowly against eventual champions Munster.

Since that epic clash in front of a sold out crowd, there have been six new players join the DHL Stormers squad in the off-season.

Fullback Warrick Gelant makes his return after a season playing in France, while wings Ben Loader and Courtnall Skosan, props Lizo Gqoboka and Sti Sithole and utility forward Hendre Stassen have all joined the fold.

There were some encouraging performances in pre-season as they picked up wins against the SWD Eagles and Hollywoodbets Sharks in George, with the depth of the squad being tested across three matches in two weeks.

The DHL Stormers managed to beat every other South African team home and away last season on their way to claiming the South African Shield and they will be looking to continue that dominance in Johannesburg on Saturday.

They will be up against a determined Emirates Lions side that will be aiming to start their new campaign on a high at home.

In Round Two the DHL Stormers will be at home as they take on Welsh side Scarlets at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch before embarking on a four-week Europen tour.

Tickets for the clash with the Scarlets in Stellenbosch on Saturday, 28 October are on sale from just R60 each from Ticketpro. CLICK HERE to buy your tickets now.