Johannesburg – Lions hooker Martin Bezuidenhout will join the Stormers as injury cover up front.
With Scarra Ntubeni (shoulder) having surgery this week and Springbok Tiaan Liebenberg (back) still a few weeks away from taking contact, Bezuidenhout will be based in Cape Town until the end of March.
Stormers coach Allister Coetzee said the loan could be extended.
“Martin will initially be here until the end of March, but it could be longer – depending on the fitness of Tiaan and Scarra.”
Bezuidenhout played his Craven Week rugby for the Leopards, before moving to Johannesburg after school.
The 23-year-old hooker has represented the Lions at every level – including two seasons of Super Rugby and the 2011 Currie Cup Final, when he came off the bench.
“As I said earlier this week, we needed a hooker with enough Super Rugby and big-game experience and Martin certainly fits the bill,” said Coetzee.
“He also came very highly recommended by his peers and we're looking forward to welcoming him at training on Monday and getting him up to speed with our systems.
Bezuidenhout will be included in the team's preparations for next Saturday's warm-up match against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein. – Sapa