Western Province have signed five new players to boost the senior squad ahead of the 2017 season.

Hooker Ramone Samuels, loose forwards Johan du Toit and Stefan de Wit, fullback SP Marais and utility back Dan Kriel have all signed contracts to ply their trade at Newlands.

Samuels and openside flank De Wit join from the Golden Lions, Du Toit joins his brother Pieter-Steph du Toit in Cape Town after a spell with the Sharks, while Kriel and Marais come from the Blue Bulls.

Director of rugby Gert Smal said that each new signing will offer something unique, to complement the current playing roster.

'In Stefan de Wit we have a genuine openside flank who plays towards the ball, which should bring some balance to our loose forwards.

'Johan du Toit is a powerful player with a good rugby brain who can cover more than one position in the back row.

'Ramone Samuels is a hooker who has shown great potential, and I am looking forward to seeing him grow in our set-up.

'In SP Marais we have an experienced head at the back, whilst Dan Kriel is an exciting player who has great versatility.

The Stormers’ pre-season fixtures have also been confirmed, starting with a trip to Harare in Zimbabwe where they will face the Cheetahs on 28 January, followed by a clash with franchise partners South Western Districts in George on 4 February, before concluding their preparations for the 2017 Super Rugby season with a match against the Lions at Newlands on 11 February.

Photo: Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images