JC Janse van Rensburg

French-based loosehead prop JC Janse van Rensburg will join the DHL Stormers ahead of the 2016 Vodacom Super Rugby season.

The powerful former Lions captain is currently in his third season with French club, Bayonne, but he will bolster the DHL Stormers’ propping resources as of November 1 with Steven Kitshoff having decided to further his career in France.

Janse van Rensburg, 29, toured Europe with the Springboks in 2012 (without getting any game time), as well as making over 50 appearances for the Lions at Super Rugby level and winning well over 50 provincial caps for the Golden Lions

The hard-working front-ranker also boasts extensive top-level captaincy experience, having earned plenty of plaudits for his captaincy of the Lions at both Vodacom Super Rugby and Absa Currie Cup level.

“I think I’m a better player for my experience in France, but I’m looking forward to returning home and joining a talented an ambitious team like the DHL Stormers,” said Janse van Rensburg.

“I cannot wait to make the move to Cape Town and I look forward to contributing to the success of the DHL Stormers.

“I still have plenty of ambitions in terms of winning trophies (in South Africa) and perhaps also playing at a higher level and I couldn’t think of a better province and union than Western Province to achieve those goals.”

WP Director of Rugby Gert Smal expressed his delight at the signing of Janse van Rensburg, who will add big-game experience to the DHL Stormers’ front row resources.

“JC brings with him a wealth of experience – both locally and internationally,” Smal told the www.iamastormer.com website.

“There is no doubt that we have some of the best young talent in South Africa, but it’s been proven that you need some experience mixed in between and JC certainly brings that to the table.

“Before he left South Africa he was pushing hard for Springbok selection and I expect him to continue in that vein.”