Leyds leads DHL Stormers to George

Dillyn Leyds will captain a 30-man DHL Stormers squad in their pre-season friendly against franchise partners, the South Western Districts Eagles, in George on Saturday.

The 24-year-old outside back missed most of last season due to a knee injury, but is back at full fitness to lead a strong squad for this clash, which will kick-off at 16h00 at Outeniqua Park on Saturday.

There are several players in the squad such as Leyds, Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt Coleman, Wilco Louw, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Jean-Luc du Plessis, Godlen Masimla, Caylib Oosthuizen, Marcello Sampson, Dan Kriel and SP Marais who boast Vodacom Super Rugby experience.

Lining up for the first time in DHL Stormers colours is openside flank Marnus Schoeman who has joined on loan from the Steval Pumas.

The squad is also littered with talented young players who will all be desperate to prove themselves and show that they have what it takes to play Vodacom Super Rugby.

DHL Stormers Head Coach Robbie Fleck said that the Eagles will provide the ideal test for his players, as he looks carefully at all of his options.

“We are looking at some different combinations and it is exciting to see what sort of depth we have at our disposal, so hopefully we learn a lot from the experience,” he said.

Fleck added that his team are excited to play at Outeniqua Park and stand together with their fans where they always enjoy great support.

“The people in George are fantastic and have always loved the DHL Stormers, so it will be great to get down there to play in front of them again,” he said.

Season ticket renewals and sales for DHL Newlands in 2017 are open. Go to wprugby.computicket.com to secure your seat today.

Tickets for the pre-season friendly between the DHL Stormers and the Emirates Lions on Saturday, February 11 at DHL Newlands are also on sale from wprugby.computicket.com for R50 general entry and R10 for scholars seating.

DHL Stormers squad: Juarno Augustus, Eital Bredenkamp, David Brits, Jaco Coetzee, Kurt Coleman, Jean-Luc du Plessis, Harlon Klaasen, Cheslin Kolbe, Dan Kriel, Dillyn Leyds (captain), Wilco Louw, Godlen Masimla, SP Marais, Daniel Maree, Dean Muir, Khanyo Ngcukana, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Caylib Oosthuizen, Justin Phillips, Carlu Sadie, Marcello Sampson, JD Schickerling, Marnus Schoeman, Chad Solomon, Reuben Terblanche, Frans van Wyk, EW Viljoen, Cobus Wiese, Damian Willemse, Eduard Zandberg.