Frans Malherbe and Marvin Orie have been omitted from a 26-man DHL Stormers squad that will travel to France for the Champions Cup match against Clermont on Saturday.

The good news for Stormers fans is the inclusion of two Boks in Steven Kitshoff and Damian Willemse who make their return to the group for the team’s Champions Cup debut at the Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin.

There are five players in the trip with Heineken Champions Cup experience in Kitshoff, Joseph Dweba, Brok Harris, Deon Fourie and Alapati Leuia.

Flank Nama Xaba has been ruled out due to a minor injury, joining the likes of Seabelo Senatla, Sacha Mngomezulu, Stefan Ungerer, Juan de Jongh, Adre Smith and Scarra Ntubeni who are all unavailable due to long-term injuries.

Notable omissions include Frans Malherbe and Marvin Orie are being rested for the home game against London Irish next week.

John Dobson said that he is pleased with the blend of youth and experience in the group for what is a big moment for the team.

“This will be an historic occasion for the Stormers and we think we have a group that will be able to do this game justice.

“Some of our best players are back from international duty to join some players who have really put their hands up already in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.

“We are all looking forward to the experience and want to take this opportunity to start the tournament with a big result away from home that will give us some real momentum,” he said.

Stormers 26-man squad:

Forwards: Hacjivah Dayimani, Ben-Jason Dixon, Joseph Dweba, Connor Evans, Neethling Fouche, Deon Fourie, Brok Harris, Steven Kitshoff, Salmaan Moerat, Junior Pokomela, Gary Porter, Sazi Sandi, Marcel Theunissen, Ernst van Rhyn, Andre-Hugo Venter, Ali Vermaak.

Backs: Clayton Blommetjies, Angelo Davids, Paul de Wet, Dan du Plessis, Herschel Jantjies, Alapati Leuia, Manie Libbok, Ruhan Nel, Damian Willemse, Leolin Zas.

READ: History of the Champions Cup

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