Seabelo Senatla signs new Stormers contract

The prolific wing earned the last of his 62 Stormers caps in 2023 before a motor accident threatened to end his career.

It has been a long road back for the former World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, whose future prospects were uncertain after suffering serious nerve damage to his arm.

Senatla showed incredible fighting spirit to overcome a number of significant obstacles with the support of MyPlayers, the Stormers Player Welfare department, his coaches, teammates and family.

He is now poised to make his return to competitive rugby and thrill Stormers fans with his speed, skill and natural feel for the game.

Director of Rugby John Dobson said that Senatla's return is something that everyone can take inspiration from.

"Seabelo is a remarkable character and he has shown that yet again in making his return to professional rugby when so many would have given in," Dobson told the Stormers' website.

"The challenges he has faced have gone far beyond just the physical impact that the accident had on his body and we can't wait to see him out there doing his thing again.

"Player welfare is an important part of our programme given the brutal nature of the sport we play and something that we have worked very hard on, with Duncan Cruickshank heading up that department for us. I don't think there could have been a more challenging case than this one, so to get this outcome is an outstanding effort.

"We are proud to have stood by him and given whatever support we could through this process, but ultimately this comeback is a testament to the incredible character of the man. We are lucky to have him part of this squad."

Senatla thanked all those who have helped him on the journey and expressed his determination to make every second in the Stormers jersey count.

"I am so grateful for all of the support I have had to reach this point," said the 31-year-old.

"This experience has been life-changing in many ways and I am so motivated to repay the faith that has been shown in me and my abilities.

"As Stormers players we are encouraged to express ourselves on the field and I can't wait to do just that with a new appreciation for how special this game and this team is," he said.

Head of Player Affairs Duncan Cruickshank paid tribute to Senatla and the way he dealt with this challenge.

"This experience has been a defining one for Seabelo and we could not be prouder of the way he has come through and worked with us to get to this point. It has been a pleasure to play a role in what has been a remarkable comeback both on and off the field," he said.

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