Exclusive: Stormers Import Dave Ewers Thriving in the Cape

Zimbabwean-born rugby player Dave Ewers has been making the most of his short-term contract with the Stormers for the 2024/25 season. Signed as a replacement for the injured Evan Roos, Ewers has quickly adapted to his new environment and is eager to make an impact as the season progresses.

Settling into Life in Cape Town

Having joined the Stormers in August, Ewers has embraced life in the Mother City, finding the experience refreshing compared to his stints at Ulster and Exeter.

"I am enjoying my time here; I arrived in August. Been here for 4 months now. The Stormers have been an awesome team to come to, very welcoming."

"This place is quite different to Ulster and Exeter before that. What I found is that Stormers' attention to detail is right up there, everyone needs to know their roles. That is something as a new player coming into the environment, I had to try and get it right," Ewers told SportsBoom.com. 

Sharks Clash Looms

The Stormers are gearing up for a crucial United Rugby Championship [URC] encounter against the Sharks in Durban. Despite their challenges this season, the Stormers boast a flawless record against the Sharks in the URC. However, this time, the Sharks’ lineup could feature returning Springboks fresh off their unbeaten Autumn Series campaign.

"If I play, it would be an amazing experience. Obviously, we will be giving them respect by giving it our all this weekend. They are a group of boys coming in with a lot of confidence, it will be a massive challenge going to their stadium and performing there."

"I'm sure the boys are up for it!"

Bonding with Kitshoff

Ewers’ transition to Cape Town was smoothed by his friendship with Steven Kitshoff, a former teammate at Ulster and a key figure in South African rugby.

"I played against him a few times when he was at Bordeaux. It was awesome to spend some time with him at Ulster. He is obviously someone that has helped me with the move to Cape Town. Steven has been awesome getting me here, brilliant friend and helped me settle in nicely."

"Motivation wise, of course I grew up in Zimbabwe and it was always a dream of mine to play in the Currie Cup in those days. Maybe Super Rugby too but times have changed with the URC now."

"Beginning of the season when I came across, playing in the Currie Cup were seen as warm up games but those were serious life moments for me, and it was a great experience."

Turning the Season Around

The Stormers currently find themselves in a disappointing 13th position on the URC log, but the team is determined to bounce back post-international break. With the Champions Cup campaign looming, Ewers and his teammates are gearing up for a fresh start.

"Some results have not gone our way. We did show glimpses of what we can do, and I think as a group, we'll be looking to perform more consistently across the board. We got this game against the Sharks, which will be massive.”

"Then on to Europe [Champions Cup], it is exciting because it is a fresh start. It will be the beginning of that campaign so we will definitely be looking to put our best forward for that."

Ewers' blend of international experience and determination has brought valuable depth to the Stormers. As the team seeks to climb the URC standings and launch their Champions Cup campaign, Ewers is ready to contribute and make his mark in Cape Town.