Davids raring to go for DHL Stormers

Angelo Davids is back to full speed and excited to get back out there as the DHL Stormers take on Dragons RFC in Wales on Friday.

The electric winger scored seven tries in all competitions last season, and was part of the DHL Stormers team that contested the 2022/23 Vodacom United Rugby Championship Grand Final at DHL Stadium.

Davids has played only five matches this season due to injury and he’s consequently relishing the opportunity to return as the Capetonians kick-start a two-match tour to Europe in the Vodacom URC this week.

“I’ve been injured and there’s obviously been a lot of frustration that comes with that, but that’s part of the game,” Davids said.

“I’m excited and looking forward to coming back and playing some rugby again, and enjoying myself and doing what I do best.

“It’s been some time since I’ve played for the DHL Stormers but I’m ready for what’s about to come next.”

The 24-year-old gained a fresh perspective in recovery, and is hungrier than ever to get back to full active duty.

The return of Davids adds strike power to a DHL Stormers backline that includes the likes of Ben Loader, who scored a breathtaking try to help beat Leinster in Cape Town two weeks’ ago, and Suleiman Hartzenberg, who already has five tries that includes a hat-trick in the 2023/24 campaign.

“Zassy [Leolin Zas], Ben and Suleiman are great guys and great players, it’s always nice to train with and against them,” he explained. “It’s only going to be beneficial for my game to be training with guys of their calibre.

“And it’s always nice to fight for a spot and know that whoever is playing, we’re backing each other.”

The bonus-point win for the DHL Stormers against Leinster saw them move up to fifth place on the standings, with just three rounds to go to the knockout rounds.

“It was definitely a good win over Leinster, they’re a tough side. It was quite important for us after the loss against Ospreys to get back on track by just getting the W and focus on the next one,” Davids added.

“The vibe is good in the camp and we’re excited to get going again.”

The DHL Stormers’ last clash with Dragons RFC at Rodney Parade was a success, marking the club’s first Vodacom URC victory, during the inaugural 2021/22 season that culminated in title glory for the Capetonians.

The team will take confidence from that performance this week, and next week’s trip to Connacht in Galway, but Davids cautioned against looking too far ahead.

“We’re a team that’s always confident, it doesn’t matter who we play. We’ll always have confidence in each other and our abilities,” he said.

“Saying that, we shouldn’t look past Dragons because they’re a great team and we still need to go out there and do what we do best.”