Sazi Sandi set for emotional 50th Stormers cap as tribute to his late father

Posted : 25 March 2026

DHL Stormers tighthead prop Sazi Sandi is set to earn his 50th cap for the franchise in this Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash against Edinburgh. For the 27-year-old, the milestone represents far more than a statistical achievement. It marks the culmination of a professional path he mapped out alongside his late father, Bonisile Sandi, a respected human rights lawyer and High Court judge.

The journey to 50 games began when Sandi was a standout head boy at St Andrew’s College in Makhanda. Despite his early success in the SA Schools side, his father initially prioritized academic excellence over a sporting career. The elder Sandi, who passed away in 2017, took some convincing before seeing rugby as a viable profession. However, after a visit to the Stormers' former home at Newlands, he fully supported his son's ambition to join Western Province.

Sandi recalls a pivotal moment in his father's bedroom where the pair literally broke down every level of the sport. They created a strategic plan that stretched from under-19 level all the way to the Springboks. The prop credits his father's meticulous work ethic, often seeing him awake at 3:00 am preparing legal notes, as the foundation for his own professional standards.

Reaching this landmark has required significant patience, as Sandi has often played in the shadows of Springbok stalwarts Frans Malherbe and Neethling Fouche. Despite the competition, he has established himself as a vital part of the Stormers' formidable scrum culture. This weekend presents a high-level test against an Edinburgh pack featuring international looseheads Pierre Schoeman and Boan Venter.

Looking ahead, the Stormers’ front-row depth will increase further with the confirmed return of Wilco Louw next season. Rather than viewing the move as a threat to his playing time, Sandi sees it as an opportunity to learn from one of the best in the world. He remains focused on the "ultimate goal" established in that early planning session: wearing the green and gold of the Springboks.

The Stormers currently sit second in the URC standings and are looking to maintain their dominant home form at DHL Stadium. For Sandi, Saturday's match will be a reflective occasion. He noted that reaching 50 games allows him to look back at his family's story and feel that the difficult decision to pursue professional rugby has officially paid off.

Sazi Sandi set for emotional 50th Stormers cap as tribute to his late father

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