The Western Cape Rugby Unions of Western Province and Boland - both of whom fall under the Stormers catchment region - seem set to become a haven for rugby imports from abroad.

This follows the revelation that as many as four internationals are on Boland's shopping list for next year, although it is unlikely they will be allowed to sign more than two.

Reports this week linked two Argentinean Test stars - utility back Santiago Fernandez and prop Eusebio Guinazu - along with All Black centre Pita Alatini and Wallaby lock Justin Harrison to the Boland.

Piet Bergh, CEO of the Boland Rugby Union, was reluctant to comment on the reports, when contacted by iafrica.com - although he did, unwittingly, basically confirm the reports, telling this website: "I'm not going to be silly and deny it.

"But I would have thought it was privileged information and I am not sure who leaked it to the media. We have taken a decision not to discuss it in the media."

Should Boland succeed in signing some or all of these players, they would be available to play for the Stormers in next year's Super 14 competition - along with the WP import Sireli Naqelevuki.

Australian import Matt Toomua, who played for Province in the Currie Cup this year, is not available for Super 14 duty, as he is on the Brumbies' books for the Sanzartournament.

WP have also acquired the services of Springbok flyer Bryan Habana, from the Bulls, for next year, while they are on the verge of finalising the contract with Lions star Jaque Fourie - the latter after becoming a 'free agent', following his much-publicised public spat with the Johannesburg-based union.

However, it is the possible arrival of the Fernandez, Guinazu, Alatini and Harrison that have caused the biggest headlines this past week.

Springbok assistant coach Gary Gold is a big fan of Fernandez and has described him as the next Felipe Contepomi.

"Santiago is a fantastic talent! I saw him play against England [in June] and he is a prodigious talent, he can play No.10 and No.12," Gold said on his twitter feed.

Fernandez made his Test debut against Italy in Torino last year. He has also played in two Tests against England and one against Ireland.

Alatini and Harrison are both keen on settling in the Cape, with Alatini linked to the Durbanville-Bellville club in Cape Town.

Harrison, who is still serving an eight-month suspension after admitting to using cocaine while playing for English Premiership club Bath, was recently spotted with former Bath teammate Matt Stevens at the University of Cape Town. Stevens, a former UCT player, is serving a two-year ban for substance abuse.

Because WP are unlikely or unable to offer the likes of Harrison and Alatini contracts, it is likely they will follow the Boland route.

Stormers head coach Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that he would look at these players if they are playing for Boland.