A three-time national triple jump champion with a sub-11 second 100m barefoot has turned a pre-season trial into a Stormers deal.
Lleyton Davids’ rise has been quick. The speedster known as the ‘Robertson Express’ has signed with the Stormers after impressing in pre-season, a long way from club rugby with Robertson Town, where he first got noticed.
Davids is a three-time national triple jump champion. He was brought into the Stormers’ pre-season camp and made his mark in a practice match against the Bulls at Faure Street Stadium in Paarl, scoring a try that turned heads.
Dobson sees more than pace
Director of Rugby John Dobson said Davids’ pace is obvious, pointing to a sub-11 second 100 metres run barefoot. But what convinced the coaches was his rugby instinct. Dobson said he saw Davids play live for Robertson Town and knew straight away there was something special.
He called the signing proof that the Stormers’ recruitment system works. Young talent is being spotted early and developed through the Stormers Rugby Institute, but plenty of untapped potential remains across the region. The challenge now, Dobson said, is to develop Davids so he can make an impact at a higher level. The union wants every local player, wherever they play, to see a pathway into the squad, and Dobson credited Davids’ agent, Shafiek Mouton, for going above and beyond to get the deal done.
“A dream come true”
Davids described the opportunity as incredibly exciting. Like any local boy, he grew up watching the Stormers, and training alongside the squad has been a dream. He said he has rubbed shoulders with some great players and wants to keep improving and show he belongs in one of the strongest squads in world club rugby.
