Ewers signs short-term deal at Stormers

The 33-year-old forward has been on the look out for a new club after he was released after just one season with Ulster Rugby.

Ewers, a product of Exeter’s highly-regarded Academy set-up, made 236 appearance for the Chiefs, scoring 39 tries, during a 13-year stay at Sandy Park.

A physical force on the field, his arrival in Cape Town has been welcomed by Stormers Director of Rugby, John Dobson.

“Dave fits the profile of what we were looking for in the short-term, given we are missing some key loose forwards due to injury,” he said. “He has proven himself as a top player with the experience of what it takes to mix it with the best in Europe, so we are looking forward to seeing the impact he will have within our system,” he said.

Born in nearby Zimbabwe, Ewers grew up in Africa before he and his family moved to Devon when he was a teenager.

“I am originally from Zimbabwe, so to be back down south is very exciting and I am ready to get stuck in for the DHL Stormers. There are some incredible players in this squad and hopefully I can add something extra as we gear up for an exciting season,” he said.

Ewers will join up with former Exeter team-mate Reuben van Heerden, who himself recently committed himself to the South African outfit until 2017.

Dobson added: “Ruben has been a great addition and has really been a key player over the last 18 months, so we are very happy that he will be with us for at least three more years.

“He has shown impressive leadership qualities this season in calling the line-outs and was rightly rewarded with his inclusion in the recent Springbok alignment camp.

“We look forward to seeing where Ruben can take his game within our system over the next three seasons,” he said.

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