Former Junior Springbok lock and newly signed Stormers player, Hendre Stassen, made a triumphant return to the rugby pitch last Saturday following the completion of a four-year doping ban he received while playing in France.
Stassen, who previously represented the Bulls and Stade de Francais, made a noteworthy appearance for Tuks in the Blue Bulls Rugby Union (BBRU) Carlton League.
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He used the opportunity to gain valuable game time ahead of joining the Stormers for the upcoming United Rugby Championship (URC) and Heineken Champions Cup season.
The talented lock has inked a three-year deal with the Stormers, securing his spot in their pre-season camp commencing in August. His contract is slated to remain valid until June 2026.
As the former SA Schools A captain expressed contentment with his successful comeback, he is set to participate in one more club rugby match for St. Georges rugby club in the Cape on Saturday before officially joining the reigning URC champions to gear up for the forthcoming competitions.
Stassen, at the age of 25 and originating from EG Jansen, has previously represented the Valke at the Craven Week.
He is described as a lock reminiscent of the great Bakkies Botha, renowned for his physicality and fearlessness in contact situations. In addition to his proficiency as a lock, Stassen is also adept at filling in as a flanker when required.
His versatility makes him an ideal replacement for Ernst van Rhyn, who bid farewell to the Stormers at the end of the recent season. Interestingly, Van Rhyn was the captain of SA Schools when Stassen led the A team.
Upon his return to professional rugby, Stassen will join the ranks alongside formidable players such as Ruben van Heerden and the returning Salmaan Moerat, who has been recovering from an injury, as well as promising young locks Gary Porter and Connor Evans, constituting the core of the Stormers’ engine.
“It went very well,” expressed Stassen enthusiastically, sharing his thoughts on his successful rugby comeback. “I will play one more game before joining the Stormers for the (pre-season) camp.”
Throughout the ordeal, Stassen steadfastly maintained his innocence after an abnormally high level of testosterone was detected in his urine sample during his time in France.
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Reports suggest that he invested over R5 million in efforts to prove his innocence. Nonetheless, he was handed a four-year ban. Undeterred by the setback, Stassen’s determination to play rugby for South Africa remains unwavering.
His talent and potential have garnered the approval of SA Rugby’s director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus, who played a crucial role in facilitating his return to South Africa and securing his spot with the Stormers.
