The DHL Stormers fans in a 28 000 crowd that pitched for the first Vodacom United Rugby Championship derby of the season in Cape Town needed some uplifting at halftime, when their team trailed the Lions - and they received that via the “big announcement” that was promised.
Springbok flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, right now the hottest property in world rugby and known to have been the target of some big money interest from another local franchise, was asked to come onto the field, where he posed with the Stormers No 10 jersey. The No 10 jersey, let it be said, will be his until at least 2029.
It is understood that Stormers director of rugby John Dobson had been working hard behind the scenes to ensure a contract extension for the world-class No 10, who was initially contracted until 2027 but has now added two years onto that deal. That will take him to the halfway point between the next Rugby World Cup in 2027 and the one scheduled for the United States in 2031, and if he is a spearhead in a Bok win in Australia in two years from now, he is bound to be targeted again.
But the Stormers, who are working on what Dobson calls his Stormers Rugby’s Project 2029, can relax for now in the knowledge that the 23-year-old will be on hand to drive their game forward until he is in his prime at the age of 27.
“I am looking forward to helping the team turn this place into a fortress,” said Feinberg-Mngomezulu over a DHL Stadium sound system that failed at just the wrong moment.
Of course, Feinberg-Mgnomezulu wasn’t playing in the game, having been injured in training during the week. In his absence, Jurie Matthee showed that there is plenty of depth in this region, turning in a faultless place-kicking performance from the tee as the Stormers scraped home 34-27 against a supremely motivated Lions who were determined to beat what their coach Cash van Rooyen later described as “the world’s form team when it comes to franchise rugby”.
RAPID AND RELENTLESS RISE
Since making his DHL Stormers debut at just 19 in a Vodacom United Rugby Championship quarterfinal in 2022, Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s rise has been rapid and relentless. A player who can change a match in a moment, he has developed into one of the game’s most sought-after players — attracting significant interest from overseas clubs — but his decision is clear: Cape Town is home.
A product of the Stormers Rugby pathway, Feinberg-Mngomezulu was identified early as an exceptional talent and progressed through the system, going on to lead DHL Western Province U21 to a national title in 2023. His continued presence is a powerful statement of intent for a programme built around producing and keeping world-class talent in the Cape.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s impact has been felt at every level. After making his Springbok debut in 2024, he was nominated for World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year, then went on to claim SA Rugby’s Young Player of the Year. In 2025, he was named South Africa’s Vodacom URC Player of the Season and recognised by his peers as MyPlayers’ 2025 Players’ Player of the Year.
An instinctive gamebreaker with a full skillset — running, passing, kicking and the composure to control moments — Feinberg-Mngomezulu is also known for his high standards, work ethic and drive to keep evolving.
Dobson, in a press statement released simultaneously with the onfield announcement, said the extension is a defining moment for the long-term plan in the Cape.
“Sacha is a player teams around the world want, that’s just the reality of modern rugby, and we’re incredibly proud that he’s chosen to commit his prime years to this jersey,” Dobson said.
“This is exactly what Project 2029 is about: identifying talent early, developing it properly, and building a squad where our best players want to stay, lead and win together. Sacha’s journey through our system has been outstanding, and he’s still only scratching the surface. Keeping him in Cape Town is massive for our supporters and for what we’re building.”
Feinberg-Mngomezulu said the decision was about belief in the team, the city and the vision.
“Cape Town is home. I grew up supporting this team and I know what it means to the people here,” he said.
“There’s always noise and interest when things start going well, but what we have here, the squad, the coaches, the connection with our fans, is special. The ambition is clear with Project 2029, and I want to be part of what we’re building and where we’re going. I’m excited for the future and hungry for what we can achieve together.”