John Dobson Pursues High-Impact Lock Replacement Amid Mounting Second Row Crisis in Cape Town

John Dobson confirms the Stormers are hunting for a world-class lock to replace France-bound Salmaan Moerat and cover for injury crises.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 27, 2026, 4:03 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

A Critical Vacancy in the Engine Room

The Stormers are facing a significant structural challenge as a combination of high-profile departures and severe injuries has hollowed out their second row stocks. Director of Rugby John Dobson revealed that the franchise is officially active in the transfer market to find a suitable replacement for captain Salmaan Moerat, who is bound for La Rochelle, and Ruben van Heerden. The situation has shifted from a manageable rotation to a full-blown crisis, with the squad currently described as running on paraffin fumes regarding their available senior locks.

The Heavy Toll of Recent Injuries

The urgency of the recruitment search intensified following the medical report on JD Schickerling, who has been sidelined for approximately six months due to a knee injury sustained against Connacht. Schickerling had been a cornerstone of the pack during a period where the team already lacked depth, making his absence a devastating blow to the tight five. While Adré Smith remains a frontline selection, the loss of three primary options simultaneously has forced the coaching staff to look beyond their current internal roster to maintain competitiveness.

Defining the Profile of a Difference Maker

Dobson has remained firm on the quality of the incoming recruit, explicitly stating that the club will not settle for a journeyman or an average replacement. According to the Stormers boss, any new signing must match the world-class standard set by Moerat and Van Heerden to avoid undermining the development of younger prospects like Connor Evans and Gary Porter. The search is specifically targeting a high-engine player capable of fitting the Springbok-inspired six-two bench split, which requires locks with the mobility to impact the game late in the second half.