United Rugby Championship: Seabelo Senatla’s return set to boost the Stormers

Stormers flyer Seabelo Senatla is fit again and raring to go as he aims to make his first appearance since September after recovering from injury.

After playing a leading role in the Stormers’ triumphant 2021/22 United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign, Senatla sustained a pectoral muscle injury after a dangerous cleanout from Connacht centre Bundee Aki in the Stormers’ first match of the new season in Stellenbosch.

Despite a frustrating four-month period on the sidelines, the 29-year-old is excited by the prospect of returning to action.

“I am definitely keen to get going again,” Senatla told the Stormers‘ official website.

“The four-month layoff came at an awkward time as I was feeling really good. The thought of having to start again was discouraging, but we eventually got into it and I’m fully fit now.

Blessing in disguise

“The timing of the injury allowed a lot of family time during the December period which was one of the positives from this setback. I’m happy to make my comeback, I really missed the game, as well as the team.”

The former Springbok Sevens star’s impending return will be a boost for the Stormers ahead of crucial URC derbies against the Sharks in Durban this Saturday and the Bulls in Pretoria on February 18.

The defending champions head into those fixtures without Leolin Zas due to injury, while star utility back Damian Willemse is on Springbok-mandated rest.

Senatla knows he will have to hit the ground running against the Stormers’ local rivals but is looking forward to making a positive impact.

“We have a couple of injuries in the back three at the moment so my return gives a couple of options to the coaches,” he explained.

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“We have a couple of regular season games to try and string back the form we had from last year. It’s been a bit disruptive with guys being injured, making it difficult to build consistency. With that, it’s a bit easier to string together a couple of good performances as guys get cohesive and fluid. That type of gelling allows players to express themselves because you’re performing from a place of instinct and nothing is forced.

“Special things can happen when you get into that space.”

Meanwhile, fellow speedster Zas, who was the URC’s leading try-scorer last season, has signed a three-year contract extension with the men from the Cape until 2026.

Stormers head coach John Dobson is delighted that the 27-year-old, who made his debut for the franchise in 2016, has inked a new deal.

“Leolin is a deadly finisher, that much is obvious to anyone who has watched us play over the last year,” he said.

“What is perhaps even more impressive is the way he has come back from injury time and again and grown his game over the years to become the player he is today.

“He is exactly the kind of player you want to have on your side, so to know he is here for another three years lifts the whole squad.”

Happy at the Stormers

Zas, who was rewarded with a call-up to the South Africa ‘A’ squad in 2022, is happy to keep playing for the team he loves.

“I already have so many fond memories in a DHL Stormers jersey,” he said. “I first played for this team when I was 19 and each time feels just as special as it did then.

“I am excited to see what we can still achieve together here and very happy to be part of that journey for the next three years.”