Clinton Swart Joins the Stormers For The URC. Image: Supersport.
(The Post News)– The Stormers have signed Pumas flyhalf Clinton Swart on a short-term deal to help cover their shortage at No. 10 as the United Rugby Championship (URC) approaches.
Swart joins the Cape Town side after Jean-Luc du Plessis suffered an ankle syndesmosis injury during the Currie Cup clash against the Boland Cavaliers this past Saturday. Although Du Plessis walked off the field without assistance, scans later confirmed that he’ll be out for three to four months.
With Manie Libbok having departed for Japan and Springboks Damian Willemse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu currently on Rugby Championship duty, the Stormers are left with only Jurie Matthee as their sole fit senior flyhalf.
Stormers Sign Clinton to Cover Flyhalf Shortage
Swart brings valuable experience from stints with the Bulls, Cheetahs, and Toyota Verblitz in Japan. He has played Super Rugby, Pro14, and the Super Rugby Unlocked tournament. His recent form in the Currie Cup made him a standout, especially during the Pumas’ 39–13 win over Western Province at DHL Stadium, where he impressed with his kicking accuracy and attacking threat. He set up a try for Sango Xamlashe with a line break and converted four of five tries on the day.
With the Pumas now out of the Currie Cup, Swart becomes available to reinforce the Stormers just in time. He could feature in the opening rounds of the championship depending on how quickly he adapts to his new team environment. Jurie Matthee is expected to start at flyhalf when they host Leinster in their championship opener in Cape Town in a few weeks. If he settles quickly, he may debut within the first few games.
They also have 20-year-old Kyle Smith in the squad, but the rookie flyhalf had limited impact during his Currie Cup appearances. He will continue to develop with the WP U21s, though the coaching staff may give him senior minutes during the URC season.
With Willemse and Feinberg-Mngomezulu likely unavailable until December, following the Springboks’ end-of-year tour, director of rugby John Dobson turned to Swart to add depth and experience during this critical early-season period.
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