The Stormers Rugby Institute is back, and the man at the helm explains why it matters.
The institute, which was last operational in 2018, has now been revived as part of the Stormers’ Project 2029 vision to streamline the playing talent that comes through the Stormers Rugby pathway.
“Every player you buy is twice as expensive as one you develop yourself,” Jacques Hanekom told Netwerk24.
For Hanekom, the argument is simple: if you want sustained success, you must build from within.
“You don’t have access to the best players if you don’t develop them yourself… You also get loyalty. The guys grew up together, struggled together here… they stick it out.”
MORE: Stormers Rugby Institute takes off again
The original institute helped shape the likes of Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth and Frans Malherbe before financial strain at Western Province Rugby forced its shutdown.
“It’s not a glamorous investment, but it’s a necessary one. Development costs money and doesn’t deliver immediate returns,” Hanekom explains.
He is quick to share credit though, pointing to the original architects of the programme and stressing that schools and parents play a major role in a player’s journey.
“A lot of people played a big role. To say one structure made them is a farce.”
2026 Stormers Rugby Institute intake
Jayden Brits, Boland Landbou (scrumhalf)
Randall-John Davids, Rondebosch Boys (centre)
Zak Hickman, Paul Roos (prop)
Jordan Jooste, Paarl Boys (prop)
Gert Kemp, Paul Roos (loose forward)
AJ Meyer, Grey College (lock)
Markus Muller, Paarl Gim (centre)
Quintin Potgieter, Paarl Gim (loose forward)
Altus Rabe, Paul Roos (hooker)
Jordan Steenkamp, Paul Roos (wing)
Joseph Udo-Idung, DHS (prop)
Matt van der Merwe, Rondebosch Boys (prop)
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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