Ben Loader, once a promising winger with London Irish, has embarked on a remarkable journey that has led him to the vibrant city of Cape Town, where he now plies his trade for South African side Stormers in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
Just a year ago, Loader was at the peak of his career, eyeing a potential call-up to the England squad and relishing the prospect of Premiership playoffs with his childhood club. However, the unforeseen demise of London Irish prompted a significant change in his trajectory.
Opting to explore opportunities beyond the Premiership, Loader seized an offer from Stormers, rejecting offers from English clubs in favor of a new adventure in South Africa. The allure of playing alongside World Cup-winning teammates and experiencing the breathtaking beauty of Cape Town proved irresistible.
Loader’s transition to life in Cape Town has been nothing short of extraordinary. From training sessions with iconic landmarks like Table Mountain as a backdrop to post-training dips in the sea with teammates, Loader has embraced the unique lifestyle offered by his new surroundings.
On the field, Loader has quickly endeared himself to Stormers’ passionate fanbase, becoming a standout performer despite being the only foreign player in the squad. His try-scoring exploits and contributions have earned him widespread admiration and support from the local community.
While Loader’s move to South Africa temporarily puts his England aspirations on hold, he remains steadfast in his ambition to represent his country. The experience gained from testing himself against top-quality opposition in the URC only fuels his determination to fulfill his dream of wearing the red rose.