Stormers wing Ben Loader to miss derby matches against Bulls and Sharks

Stormers head coach John Dobson has confirmed that winger Ben Loader will miss the upcoming United Rugby Championship derby games against Bulls and the Sharks due to an injury.

Loader sustained the injury during the recently concluded Investec Champions Cup game in which he was one of the try scorer helping Stormers to a 21-20 win.

“He was great at Welford Road [against Leicester Tigers] and he was great against Stade Rochelais,” said Dobson following the game against La Rochelle.

“I think he suits our game model.

“I think we just haven’t hit our flow yet and when we do, Ben will profit from that.

“Unfortunately, it looks like he has done his shoulder, which probably comes at the wrong time.

“I don’t know how serious it is but I doubt he will play in the next few weeks.

“It’s a pity. He has been great – physical, fast and he has got time and that is always a sign of a great player.”

With a win and a defeat in two matches, Stormers are at fourth placed in Pool 4 of the Champions Cup. They will be facing Sale Sharks and Stade Francais in the final two rounds of the competition.