The Stormers could receive another major boost ahead of their Vodacom URC quarter-final against Cardiff at the Cape Town Stadium on 30 May.
Loose forward Ruan Ackermann is reportedly back to full fitness after a lengthy injury layoff.
According to Netwerk24, the former Lions and Gloucester forward has recovered from the neck injury that has sidelined him since January.
Ackermann last featured in the Stormers’ gritty 13-8 victory over the Vodacom Bulls in Cape Town.
Questions may remain around the 30-year-old’s match fitness after several months on the sidelines, but his return would provide a massive boost to John Dobson’s squad at the business end of the season.
Ackermann was one of the Stormers’ marquee pre-season signings and his physicality and experience could prove invaluable if the Capetonians progress beyond the quarter-finals.
Should the Stormers beat Cardiff, they will either travel to face Leinster or host the Lions in Cape Town.
Dobson has also confirmed that centre Ruhan Nel and wing Seabelo Senatla have both recovered from calf injuries ahead of the playoffs.
WATCH: Ruhan raring to go in Cardiff rematch
“To have Ruhan back from injury is massive,” Dobson said. “He leads the defence. And we have missed Seabelo Senatla the whole season, we really have.
“He is one of those players who gets supporters out of their seats, and he is back for the quarter-final, and maybe a few others.
“To have maybe five or six players back and allowing us to select probably our strongest team, apart from the long-term injured Cobus Reinach, will be fantastic.”
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
