The DHL Stormers have been dealt a blow to their Champions Cup quest after logistical issues resulted in a delay on their trip to England for the quarter-final against Exeter Chiefs.

The Stormers secured a place in the Champions Cup quarter-finals by claiming a victory over Harlequins in Cape Town on Saturday. Exeter Chiefs’ last-16 victory over Montpellier set up a clash with the Stormers at Sandy Park on Saturday.

However, while the Stormers hoped to arrive in England early in the week to prepare for the match, SARugbymag.co.za understands that logistical issues with their flight meant that the team were still in Cape Town this morning.

It is understood that when the Stormers do depart from the Mother City, they will be taking a long-haul trip to the UK, involving multiple stops along the way.

This has turned what was already a massive hill into a mountain for the title-chasing Stormers. It’s great news for the Exeter Chiefs, after the Premiership side faced an exhausting last-16 match against Montpellier last Sunday, that went down to the end of two periods of extra time.

The 2020 Premiership Champions will be fired up for the match in front of their home fans and will welcome the opportunity to have a couple more days of preparation than their opponents for the playoff.

Kick off for Saturday’s quarter-final is at 18:30 South African time.