Salmaan Moerat: Springboks Star Leaves South African Rugby Club for Europe
- South African rugby player Salmaan Moerat is leaning towards leaving Mzansi for a new club in Europe
- The Springboks star is not the South African player the European club reportedly signed ahead of next season
- Moerat's reported move to Europe sparked different reactions from South African rugby fans on social media
Springboks star Salmaan Moerat is set to leave the Stormers for a move to Europe at the end of the ongoing season.
Source: Getty Images
The South African rugby star leaves the Cape Town-based club with full support from the only professional team he has represented, beginning an overseas adventure where he will reunite with former Stormers teammate Dillyn Leyds, now a key figure at the European champions.
The 28-year-old is currently sidelined after toe surgery but is expected back in time for the United Rugby Championship (URC) playoff campaign.
Despite being on the sideline, he was named in Rassie Erasmus 49-man squad for the Springboks alignment camp, which recently took place in Cape Town.
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Moerat set for a move to France
According to Rapport, Stormers skipper Moerat is giving serious consideration to a potential switch to French powerhouse La Rochelle, with a move later this year on the cards.
A source close to the player opened up that although the agreement is not yet finalised, a few outstanding matters on the Stormers’ side still need to be resolved before anything is confirmed.
The 28-year-old is anticipated to be back in time despite being injured and may also be in the mix for the Springboks’ Test clash against England at Ellis Park on 4 July 2026.
Source: Getty Images
If the transfer goes through, it would significantly weaken the Stormers’ depth in the lock position. Ruben van Heerden has already committed to Montpellier for next season, while a proposed move for the Bulls’ Cobus Wiese fell through after he chose to stay in Pretoria.
Stade Rochelais also signed Kriel
According to reports, Moerat is not the only South African rugby star Stade Rochelais signed; the French giants have also secured the services of David Kriel from the Blue Bulls.
At only 27, Kriel offers a blend of adaptability and athletic quality in the backline. He is comfortable playing either as a centre or a fullback.
The French side adding Moerat and Kriel to their squad gives them an edge over their rivals ahead of next season.
Here is what fans are saying on social media concerning Moerat and Kriel's proposed move to Stade Rochelais.
Saud Abrahams shared:
"Now we can see that Moerat did the dirty work for the Stormers. His absence proves how soft they've become."
Danre van der Spuy said:
"Dear French Club, Please keep Moerat and forbid him to play international rugby. Put it in the fine-print and make sure he signs it. Sincerely, All South Africans."
Desmond Crathorne wrote:
"Wonderful news.....they must just keep Moerat there. The Stormers don't need him!"
Kassie Cloete commented:
"Moerat is smiling all the way, gonna make a lot of money. He doesn't care what the lot of losers have to say about him."
Scenes from Boks alignment camp
Briefly News previously reported that the Springboks’ 49-man squad, announced by head coach Rassie Erasmus a week ago, gathered this week in Cape Town for the first alignment camp of 2026.
The Boks have a busy year ahead, and this camp serves as the calm before the chaos and the storms to come.
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Source: Briefly News
