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Yaqeen Ahmed Set for Stormers Debut Against All Blacks

The 20-year-old’s promotion tests a fast U20-to-pro pathway by placing a recent junior world champion into a high-profile match against New Zealand.

Overview

  • Ahmed will make his professional Stormers debut in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry opener against the All Blacks on Friday and will form the halfback pairing with Imad Khan.
  • He arrives at the Stormers after helping South Africa retain the World Rugby U20 Championship in Georgia and appearing for SA ’A’ in June.
  • Former Wynberg coach Nic Groom praised Ahmed’s work ethic, kicking and defensive skills and called him “the ultimate competitor.”
  • Stormers director John Dobson publicly backed Ahmed and said he hoped the youngster could last the full 80 minutes as the team named only two back-line replacements on the bench.
  • The match offers a high-visibility platform that could accelerate Ahmed’s pathway to higher honours and will be watched for how his school‑to‑pro development handles elite international pressure.