50th cap carries special meaning for Kebble

Experienced prop Oli Kebble is in line to make his 50th appearance for the Stormers when they face Harlequins in the Investec Champions Cup on Sunday.

The former Scotland international, now 33, first pulled on the Stormers jersey more than a decade ago, debuting as a young prop in the 2014 season.

“If selected, I’ll be very excited,” Kebble said ahead of the Twickenham Stoop clash. “Any time you get to put the Stormers jersey on, it’s special. I’ve waited a while to get to this number, but all good things take time.”

Kebble rejoined in September last year from French outfit Oyonnax and described his homecoming as “a dream come true again”.

“I came back as a bit of an older head,” he explained. “The first time around I was a youngster with a lot of big names pushing me around. To return now, knowing the coaches and how things work, has been amazing.

“To play for the Stormers again is obviously something that I wasn’t sure was going to happen, but now that it’s happened, it’s almost a dream come true again.”

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Kebble said with a young family, having the support structure of extended family in Cape Town was an important consideration.

“But it was primarily to represent the Stormers,” he said. “I’ll say it a thousand times, every time you wear this badge, it’s incredibly special.”

Looking ahead to Harlequins, Kebble expects a fierce contest despite the English club’s struggles in the Premiership.

“They’ve got quality players and good depth, especially up front,” he said. “The Stoop is a tough place to play. We’re really looking forward to the scrum battle, and it doesn’t matter who wears the jersey for us – we’re going there to take them on.”

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Kebble also spoke about his role within a Stormers squad brimming with young talent.

“A lot of the youngsters don’t actually need my advice – they’re very, very good,” he said.

Upon arrival back at the Stormers, Kebble was “incredibly impressed” by Zach Porthen.

“But that’s no secret, he’s already a Springbok now,” he added. “So he developed rather quickly.

“But if I can help where I can and mentor a bit, I enjoy that. At the same time, I’m here to do a job for the team.”

Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images