More Pacific flavour for the Stormers?

The SA Rugby personnel and franchise coaches and CEO’s met in Johannesburg yesterday, and whilst there is no longer a draft system in place, franchises can come to terms in order to strengthen their chances ahead of the 2009 Vodacom Super 14.

“There isn’t really anything available when we discussed the squads,” said Erasmus. “I didn’t think there was anyone who could better what we already have available.”

A new face amongst the large contingent of Vodacom Stormers players on the training field today was Tongan Sevens player Alipate Fatafehi.

“His agent phoned and we thought he could come and have a go, and he trained with us for a week,” explained Rassie. Whilst Erasmus says the plan is for Alipate to fly back to on Sunday, the Stormers coaching team will discuss the possibility of keeping him in the Cape.

“Yes, if he’s happy with the set up and if everything is fine, we’ll try and keep him with us,” Erasmus told the Stormers website. “He’s a nice big boy, he can play centre, wing and fullback.”

The squads of the five South African Vodacom Super 14 teams will be named on 6 February 2009.