Hooker Vernon Paulo on one of his barnstorming runs for the Cheetahs. The 24-year-old Paulo signed with the Stormers and will bolster their No 2 stocks.
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Cheetahs hooker Vernon Paulo was an attractive prospect, with his natural ability and passion for the Stormers, and that is a big reason why the Cape side decided to sign him.
The 24-year-old has joined the inaugural United Rugby Championship (URC) winners and will provide strong cover in the No 2 jersey for the rest of the season and beyond. His signing comes fresh off the news that Hacjivah Dayimani joined the Stormers for the rest of the season ahead of the URC match against the Lions next weekend.
Paulo is an explosive ball carrier in open play and is accurate at line-out time, and should provide some stability in a facet of their game that has been under pressure lately. Currently, the Stormers have Springboks André-Hugo Venter and Scarra Ntubeni in their ranks, as well as JJ Kotze and youngster Lukhanyo Vokozela.
The 35-year-old Ntubeni is likely in his final season with the Stormers, following a decorated career in the Cape.
Paulo, who was born in Riversdale in the Western Cape, returns home after starring in the Varsity Cup for the NWU Eagles and, most recently, for the Cheetahs.
Stormers director of rugby John Dobson said the hooker has all the attributes to mix it with the best.
“We are confident that we can develop his game further in our system. He certainly has the drive to improve and compete in every area. On top of all that, he is also incredibly passionate about playing for this team, having grown up as a supporter of ours, and we know that he will put everything he has into representing our fans with pride when he gets the opportunity.”
Paulo said he is determined to make the most of the move to Cape Town.
“This is a dream come true for me, but this is just the start. I am going to work hard to be at my absolute best for this team and contribute to the cause. My father is from Langa, and I have supported this team my whole life, so this is a homecoming of sorts for me.
“I want to show what this means to me through the way I play and hopefully add to the success of the team,” he added.