Evan Roos returns at No 8 as Stormers name team for Bristol Bears opener
The Stormers host Bristol Bears in their Investec Champions Cup opener on Saturday 17 October 2026, with Evan Roos back from a hamstring injury at No 8.
The Stormers have named their side for the Investec Champions Cup opener against Bristol Bears, and the team includes a return for Evan Roos. Roos is back from a hamstring injury and starts at No 8.
Stormers name a side to face Bristol Bears in their Bristol Bears opener
Hacjivah Dayimani has been ruled out of the Bristol match with concussion. The front row changes too, with Vernon Matongo, JJ Kotzé and Sazi Sandi all starting, while Wilco Louw has been dropped entirely.
The starting backline is unchanged from the side that beat the Sharks, with Damian Willemse at full-back. The Stormers beat the Hollywoodbets Sharks 39-22 at DHL Stadium in their first home URC game of the season, a bonus-point win.
Champions Cup opener
The Stormers face Bristol Bears on Saturday 17 October 2026 at DHL Stadium, with kick-off at 16:15 local time.
Key facts
- The Stormers play Bristol Bears in the Investec Champions Cup opener on Saturday 17 October 2026 at DHL Stadium.
- Kick-off is at 16:15 local time.
- Evan Roos returns from a hamstring injury and starts at No 8.
- Hacjivah Dayimani is ruled out with concussion.
- The Stormers beat the Hollywoodbets Sharks 39-22 in their first home URC game of the season.
Sources
- Roos steps in for DHL Stormers in Investec Champions Cup opener | The Official Website for the DHL Stormers (DHL Stormers)
- Evan Roos returns for Stormers (The South African)
- Stormers team: Wilco Louw dropped, Evan Roos one of six Springboks included for Champions Cup opener (Planet Rugby)
- New-look Stormers pack to tackle Bears (SA Rugby Magazine)