Ewers: I'm thrilled to be joining Stormers

AS the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain, Dave Ewers stepped off the plane, his heart racing with a mix of excitement and nostalgia.

- MARK STEVENS

Back on African soil, the land of his birth, this time the imposing forward wasn't returning as a visitor, but instead ready to embark on a new chapter in his rugby career with the Stormers.

Just a month ago the 33-year-old was still searching for his next outpost within the game, this after he was told in January that his stint with Ulster would be coming to an end after just one season.

By his own admission, it's been an unnerving time for him and his young family. Unsure of what was to follow, Ewers says: "It was definitely a scary period when they told me I wasn't going to be kept on at Ulster. I've not known for months what I would be doing or even where I would be playing so this move really came out of nowhere.

"It had been quiet for some time, but then I got the call about the move.

Unfortunately, some of the back-row boys here have picked up injuries and they were in need of cover. Having played with Steven Kitshoff last year at Ulster, he mentioned to the coaches that I didn't have anything set up, so they gave me a ring." For Zimbabwean-born Ewers, the opportunity was too good to turn down and although his contract is only short-term initially, he aims to make the most of it.