South African Rugby World Cup winner Warrick Gelant joined the DHL Stormers from fellow Super Rugby side the Vodacom Bulls.
Gelant, 25, chose not to renew his contract with the Bulls which was due to expire in July. The Bulls said that he had always been “open and transparent” about his planning and his options.
Gelant scored 90 points in 52 Super Rugby appearances for the Bulls for whom he made his Super Rugby debut in 2016 against the Stormers.
A statement on the Stormers’ website said Gelant’s signing added “considerable experience and pedigree to the DHL Stormers backline” which boasts names such as Herschel Jantjies, Damian Willemse, Seabelo Senatla and Sergeal Petersen.
Gelant, who can play as a full-back or winger, expressed his delight at beginning a new chapter in his career with the Cape Town-based side.
“I can’t wait to join up with the DHL Stormers and I’m very excited about what the future holds. I want to take my game to new heights and I believe that working with the players and the coaches at the DHL Stormers will help me to do that,” he said.
Gelant also thanked everyone at the Bulls who had assisted him to build his career so far.
“I sincerely hope to maintain the friendships that I have built here over the years. I arrived here as a young man with big dreams, and the people around me assisted me to build my career and most importantly to live my dreams.”
DHL Stormers head coach John Dobson said they could not have asked for anyone better to step into the 15 jersey to replace Springboks fullback Dillyn Leyds who French Top 14 side La Rochelle.
“Warrick is a deadly finisher with a wonderful feel for the game and awareness of space, which is just what we need for the talent we already have in the backline to thrive,” he said.
