Stormers reshuffle side for Ulster clash

Stormers Director of Rugby, John Dobson, has made several changes to his starting lineup for Friday night’s clash against Ulster Rugby in Belfast.

Captain Ruhan Nel misses out through a calf injury, with utility back Damian Willemse shifting from fullback to inside centre alongside Dan du Plessis in the midfield. Warrick Gelant regains the number 15 jersey from Willemse.

There is also a start for youngster, Imad Khan, at scrumhalf following the injury to Cobus Reinach, who is expected to miss the remainder of the United Rugby Championship season.

Among the other changes to the side that thumped the Glasgow Warriors in Cape Town two weeks ago, veteran Deon Fourie, starts at openside flank in his 140th Stormers appearance and takes over the captaincy from Nel.

Fourie forms a back row with Ben-Jason Dixon and the tournament’s leading try-scorer Evan Roos, who will draw level with Duane Vermeulen for the most starts in the Stormers No 8 jersey with 73.

“We have been forced to make a few changes, but we are excited about what this team can do and we know it will take the best of us to get the win,” said Dobson. “As we get closer to the playoffs the stakes get higher each week and this is a crucial match in the context of our season.”

The Stormers, currently top of the log, face Ulster and Cardiff Rugby over the next two weeks to conclude the league phase of the competition.

Deon Fourie captains in Belfast on Friday night as Ruhan Nel misses out this week due to a calf injury.

📢 Team announcement https://t.co/JalkvpTrx4
📺 Live on @SuperSportTV #ULSvSTO #inittogether @Vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/MKxebmWt9u

— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) May 7, 2026

Written by: Ntsako Mukhari