The 47-man squad features nine Springboks in captain Siya Kolisi, props Steven Kitshoff and Frans Malherbe, hookers Scarra Ntubeni and Bongi Mbonambi, World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit, scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies, flyhalf Damian Willemse and fullback Warrick Gelant.

Former DHL Western Province age-group star Tim Swiel, who returned to Cape Town during the lockdown period after a period playing his rugby in England, has also been included in the squad.

In addition to the experienced core, the squad also includes six players who are still eligible to play for DHL Western Province U21. Wing Angelo Davids, hooker JJ Kotze, flank Marcel Theunissen, flyhalves Kade Wolhuter and Christopher Schreuder and centre Mnombo Zwelendaba are all young talents to look out for.

Dobson said that after what has been an extraordinary pre-season navigating the unique challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, his squad is primed for competitive rugby once again.

“It has been quite a journey this year, but we are thrilled to announce this squad which has a good balance of proven experience and exciting young talent," said Dobson.

“Apart from our nine Springboks, there are a number of players in this squad who have the opportunity to become household names through their performances in Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked and we cannot wait to see what they can achieve in a DHL Stormers jersey.

“It has been a long wait for our faithful supporters and we know they are as excited as we are to get going again, the players cannot wait to run out at DHL Newlands again."

DHL Stormers squad: Juarno Augustus, Kwenzo Blose, Jaco Coetzee, Angelo Davids, Paul de Wet, Ben-Jason Dixon, Dan du Plessis, Johan du Toit, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Neethling Fouche, Warrick Gelant, Michal Haznar, Lyle Hendricks, Herschel Jantjies, Steven Kitshoff, Siya Kolisi, JJ Kotze, Tristan Leyds, Leon Lyons, Frans Malherbe, Godlen Masimla, Bongi Mbonambi, David Meihuizen, Salmaan Moerat, Matt More, Ruhan Nel, Sihle Njezula, Scarra Ntubeni, Sergeal Petersen, Rikus Pretorius, Sazi Sandi, JD Schickerling, Christopher Schreuder, Seabelo Senatla, Cornel Smit, Chad Solomon, Tim Swiel, Marcel Theunissen, Edwill van der Merwe, Abner van Reenen, Ernst van Rhyn, Chris van Zyl, Damian Willemse, Kade Wolhuter, Nama Xaba, Leolin Zas, Mnombo Zwelendaba.