Can the Lions hold on to Haashim Pead?
SPOTLIGHT: South African Under-20 superstar Haashim Pead is already in high demand.
However, his profile and ‘asking price’ will soon skyrocket, if grapevine whispering is to be believed.
It is hinted that Pead, who made his Baby Bok debut off the bench against Australia at the 2024 Under-20 Rugby Championship, will soon be on the books of the world-renowned agency Roc Nation Sports International.
Pead, who scored six tries across five games during the Baby Boks’ victorious campaign at the 2025 World Rugby Under-20 championship, has a contract with the Lions until 2028.
However, do we need to remind the Lions Rugby Company of what happened when Jordan Hendrikse joined RNSI, and they were unwilling to pay him what his agent thought he was worth?
As for the Bo-Kaap-born Pead, 20, his shares already skyrocketed when he became the second-highest try-scorer in the Under-20 World Cup, and broke the record for most metres gained by a scrumhalf in the group stages of the World Rugby event (232m) that had previously been set by Antoine Dupont in 2016.
Pead was named Baby Bok of the year for 2025.
He has subsequently been invited to train with the senior Springboks.
* (The article continues below …)
Roc Nation is a no-nonsense agency that cares more about its clients than any franchise’s balance sheets.
They add value to players, and that is why they have high-profile clients like Siya Kolisi, Cheslin Kolbe, Maro Itoje, Aphelele Fassi, Ardie Savea, Ellis Genge, Jordan Hendrikse, Louis Rees-Zammit, Marcus Smith and Ollie Lawrence.
If the rumours prove to be true, the Lions will have to have deep pockets to keep Pead on their books.
Already, there has been ‘interest’ from the American-owned Sharks and the Stormers in Pead’s services.
RNSI is also renowned for helping its clients develop their personal brands, secure commercial partnerships, and plan for long-term success beyond their playing careers.
@JanDKrugby
@rugby365com
