Saracens sign Stormers tighthead

Saracens have bolstered their front-row stocks by picking up a Stormers tighthead prop ahead of next season.

Former Junior Springbok Corné Weilbach will make the move to the English Premiership club after struggling for regular opportunities in Cape Town.

Weilbach was part of a talented SA U20 group that included current Springboks Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Canan Moodie and Jordan Hendrikse.

Saracens were in the market for a tighthead after Italy international Marco Riccioni agreed a move to Perpignan, while former Wallabies prop Jermaine Ainsley will no longer join the club despite signing earlier this year.

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Weilbach made his senior debut for Western Province in the 2022 Currie Cup before featuring for the Stormers in the Investec Champions Cup against Harlequins in 2024.

The 24-year-old was included in the Stormers’ wider URC squad this season but did not get any game time.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining Saracens,” Weilbach said. “It’s a club with a huge history and a culture of excellence, and I’m looking forward to learning, growing and giving everything I can for the team and supporters.”

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Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall described Weilbach as “a young prop with real potential”.

“We believe joining Saracens will provide a fantastic environment for him to continue his development,” McCall added.