How Dylan Maart's loan to Stormers highlights player development in South African rugby

DYLAN Maart has secured a loan move to the DHL Stormers for the United Rugby Championship, becoming the latest Suzuki Griquas player to benefit from the unions’ ongoing development alliance.

The agreement between the two unions was designed to create a clear progression route for players and staff, linking the Currie Cup to the demands of international club rugby. Maart’s elevation is the latest example of that pathway in action.

A pathway in practice

The partnership has become an important bridge between Kimberley and Cape Town, allowing standout performers to test themselves at a higher level while maintaining depth across both squads.

Maart earned his opportunity after impressing during Griquas’ domestic campaign. His move reflects the purpose behind the agreement: reward consistency at provincial level with exposure to stronger competition.

Griquas head coach Pieter Bergh said the focus remains on long-term growth.

“This partnership gives our players an opportunity to grow beyond the Currie Cup environment,” Bergh said. “When a player has earned the chance to play at the URC level, it is important that we support that journey. It benefits the individual, and, in the long run, it benefits Griquas rugby.”

In recent seasons, several players have moved between Kimberley and Cape Town under similar arrangements. For Griquas, the model reinforces their role in developing talent capable of progressing beyond domestic competition. For the Stormers, it offers access to players with regular game time and responsibility in the Currie Cup.

Reward for performance

Maart’s selection follows a series of assured performances in which his pace, defensive work rate and reliability stood out. Those attributes have assisted his transition into the Stormers environment, where training intensity and tactical demands align with the pressures of the URC.

Bergh believes the experience will further accelerate the player’s development.

“Dylan has worked incredibly hard and fully deserves this opportunity,” he said. “Training and playing in a URC setup will challenge him in new ways, and when he comes back to us, he will be a better, more experienced player.”

Although Maart will represent the Stormers for the duration of his loan spell, the move is viewed in Kimberley as evidence that strong performances in Griquas colours can open doors at a higher level.

The broader objective remains unchanged: create an environment where players can refine their skills and prepare for bigger stages.

“We are proud that players can come through Griquas, perform, and earn chances like this,” Bergh added. “Our job is to create an environment where players can develop and where doors open when they are ready.”

As the URC season continues, Maart’s progress will be followed closely in Kimberley. His selection underlines how the link between the Currie Cup and international club rugby is functioning in practice — and how the development structures in place are producing opportunities.