The DHL Stormers have strengthened their plans for the future after securing the signature of Hollywoodbets Sharks lock Corné Rahl, who is set to join the Cape Town-based side in July 2027.
The 24-year-old second-row forward will make the switch at the end of the current season, bringing size, physicality and long-term potential to the Stormers’ forward pack.
Born in Montagu in the Western Cape, Rahl attended Oakdale Agricultural High School, where he was a year ahead of future Stormers teammate Paul de Villiers.
Standing at 2.03 metres tall and weighing approximately 122kg, Rahl offers an imposing presence in the second row. His arrival is expected to strengthen the Stormers’ lock options as the club continues to build depth for the coming seasons.
Stormers identify Rahl as a long-term investment
Stormers director of rugby John Dobson believes Rahl has the qualities needed to make a valuable contribution to the team.
Dobson highlighted the lock’s ability to compete against high-level opposition, his work rate and his connection to the Western Cape rugby community.
At 24, Rahl still has room to develop, making him an attractive option for a Stormers side looking to build for the future.
The signing also comes after the departures of Salmaan Moerat and Ruben van Heerden to France at the end of the previous season. Their exits created a need for additional depth in the Stormers’ second-row department.
Rahl’s arrival could therefore prove important as the Cape side looks to maintain its competitiveness while developing its squad over the long term.
Rahl looking forward to returning to the Cape
Rahl has welcomed the opportunity to join the Stormers but insists his immediate priority remains performing for the Sharks.
With his future now secured, the lock can concentrate on finishing the current campaign strongly before beginning the next chapter of his career in Cape Town.
He also expressed enthusiasm about joining a Stormers team he believes is building something special.
For Rahl, the move represents a return to his home region and an opportunity to contribute to a club with strong ties to Western Cape rugby.
What Corné Rahl could bring to the Stormers
Rahl’s height, physical presence and work rate could make him a useful addition to the Stormers’ forward pack. His signing also gives the club another young option in a key position following the departures of experienced locks.
However, supporters will have to wait until July 2027 to see him officially join the squad.
Until then, Rahl remains focused on his responsibilities with the Sharks, while the Stormers prepare for the arrival of a player they believe can contribute to the club’s future ambitions.
