Calm Ruhan Nel takes charge of the Stormers by leading from the front

For the last couple of weeks, Stormers director of rugby John Dobson might have been wondering why he hadn’t handed the captaincy reins to Ruhan Nel in previous seasons.

The veteran outside centre has taken to his leadership role in the United Rugby Championship (URC) like a duck to water, stepping up during a period when the Cape side’s usual leaders have either been sidelined by injury, are only just returning to full fitness, or have hung up their boots altogether.

Nel’s calm authority and wealth of experience have proven invaluable. As a former Blitzbok, he was part of the South African Sevens squad during a period when they dominated the World Series, beating some of the best teams to claim consecutive titles under Neil Powell in 2017 and 2018.

He was one of the key players for the team, and that composure shown on the biggest Sevens stage has become one of his defining traits as a leader in the longer version of the game. Since returning full-time to the 15-man game, Nel has been a key figure in the Stormers’ resurgence, playing a crucial role in their historic URC victory during the tournament’s inaugural season.

But it hasn’t always been a smooth ride. Nel has faced his share of injuries and disappointments over the years — setbacks that could have derailed other players. However, they refined his approach to the game, broadening his perspective as a leader. He isn’t a loud voice in the huddles, nor is he constantly in the referee’s ear like a typical forward captain.

Stationed in the midfield and sometimes out wide, away from the rucks and set pieces, Nel leads primarily through his actions — especially on defence — and relies on a bird’s-eye view of the field to guide him.

Nel says captaining a side wasn’t high on his list as a youngster.

“I just play with too much emotion, and when I was growing up, I always used to say I would never be a captain,” the outside centre said.

“But this has been a great experience, and it is a massive honour captaining the Stormers. It is something that a lot of people dream about — leading out their team one day, especially a team like the Stormers. It has been good.

“This week, I told Norman Laker (defence coach) that ever since I stepped into this role, I’ve kind of felt forced to be calmer and more level-headed on the field. That is good for my game too. Not that I ever feel out of control, but you are much more aware of things, and your finger is on the pulse of the game.”

Nel has also been leaning on other leaders in the squad to assist him. Tighthead prop Neethling Fouché, who is out with injury, was involved from the start of the season. Nel also has Bok veteran Deon Fourie, lineout ace JD Schickerling, prop Ali Vermaak, and backline stalwarts like former captain Dan du Plessis, Damian Willemse, and Seabelo Senatla to rely on.

“I’ve been pretty comfortable in the role. At 13 you can be isolated from the scrums and lineouts, but there are the likes of JD (Schickerling) in the lineouts, and Neethas (Fouché), who have captained the side before. This is not a one-man show, and we have great leaders on the field — which makes the job a bit easier.

“Taking up this role, it’s been doing me good.”

Despite the steep learning curve, he’s thriving as captain. The Stormers won their first two games under his leadership, but everyone is aware that the tournament is still in its early stages — and tougher challenges lie ahead. That’s when Nel’s captaincy mettle will be tested.

For now, though, with the armband firmly strapped on, he’s proving that leadership doesn’t always need a microphone — sometimes, it just needs a clear mind and someone who truly understands what it means to wear the Stormers jersey.