Louw Nel

Born on 9 August 2002, Louw Nel is a South African flanker who provides the Stormers with defensive grit and a strong presence at the breakdown. A back-row forward in the combative mould, he is valued for his work rate and his willingness to contest fiercely for possession at the contact area. Nel's role is to disrupt: slowing opposition ball, competing for turnovers and bringing physicality to the defensive line. It is demanding, often thankless work, but it forms the backbone of a forward pack's effectiveness, and his relentless approach makes him a useful component of the Stormers' setup. As a younger member of the squad, Nel is working to establish himself in a position rich with competition in South African rugby. His development has focused on adding consistency and extending his influence in attack to sit alongside his defensive contribution. Aggressive at the breakdown and dependable in the tackle, he represents the kind of hard-edged loose forward the South African game continues to produce in number, and he offers genuine depth to the Stormers' back-row stocks.