Clinton Swart joins Stormers amid flyhalf crisis ahead of URC

Pumas flyhalf Clinton Swart is set to join the Stormers on a short-term contract to help ease their mini flyhalf crisis ahead of the start of the United Rugby Championship (URC) later this month.

The inaugural champions currently have only one fit senior flyhalf available, Jurie Matthee, after Jean-Luc du Plessis picked up an injury this past Saturday against the Boland Cavaliers in the Currie Cup.

Du Plessis, who was meant to get some game time under his belt, suffered an ankle syndesmosis injury in the first half. Initially, it did not look too serious as he walked off the field, but IOL Sport has since confirmed that he will be sidelined for three to four months.

This leaves Matthee to hold the fort, with Springboks Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Damian Willemse currently involved in the Rugby Championship. Manie Libbok, who guided the Stormers to their first title, has departed for Japan after being released by the Cape side.

Willemse and Feinberg-Mngomezulu are only expected to be available for the Stormers in December after the Springboks’ end-of-year tour, leaving the Cape franchise very thin at flyhalf — hence the SOS to Swart.

Swart, who has previously represented the Bulls, Cheetahs, and Toyota Verblitz in Japan, brings a wealth of experience, locally and internationally. He played Super Rugby and in the Pro 14 for the Free State, and for the Bulls during the Super Rugby Unlocked competition.

Matthee is expected to wear the No. 10 jersey in the opening URC clash against Leinster in Cape Town in a couple of weeks. Depending on how quickly Swart settles in with his new teammates, he could be in line to make his debut for the Stormers within the first few games.

Stormers director of rugby John Dobson and his coaching team recently got a glimpse of Swart’s ability when the Pumas faced Western Province in the Currie Cup at the DHL Stadium. The 32-year-old flyhalf delivered a near-flawless kicking display, while his attacking play also contributed to a convincing 39-13 victory. He set up centre Sango Xamlashe for a try after breaking the defensive line, and he converted four of the five tries his team scored.

Swart has been one of the standout performers for the Pumas in the Currie Cup. With his side now out of the competition, he becomes available to bolster the Stormers’ ranks.

The Stormers also have rookie flyhalf Kyle Smith in their ranks, but the 20-year-old didn’t make a major impact in the Currie Cup when given an opportunity. He will continue to gain experience with the WP U21s, though he could also earn game time with the senior side during the upcoming season.