AUDIO: The reason behind Bok discard's exit at Stormers

NEWS: After months of speculation the Stormers finally confirmed that Hacjivah Dayimani’s time at the Cape Town franchise has ended.

The 26-year-old has been a standout performer for the Stormers since joining the side from the Lions in 2021.

He can fill all the loose forward positions and has been immense in the Stormers’ United Rugby Championship campaigns.

However, despite his fine form the Springboks management has overlooked the loose forward. He was not invited to the alignment camps.

More recently he was not included in the Sprinbboks’ 35-man squad for the upcoming Test season as the international coaches handed Bulls loose forward Mpilo Gumede a late call-up.

The omission might have contributed to his early exit given he still has a year left on his contract at the Stormers.

Dayimani’s next move is yet to be confirmed.

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However, he is rumoured to be in advance negotiation with Top 14 side Racing 92, where he might link up with Springbok captain Siya Kolisi.

The Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson told @rugby365com that Dayimani has been offered a life-changing deal.

“Hacjivah is a pretty prominent player,” Dobson said.

“He has done an amazing job, not just on the field but for the project and what the Stormers is about.

“However we told him, that if he has a life-changing opportunity because he has a lot of responsibility and people who depend on him, we would not stand in his way.

“So we have not done that.

“He goes with our blessings and, hopefully, returns one day.”

The Stormers confirmed that Nama Xaba is on his way out.

The promising loose forward has been linked with a move to the Bulls.

Flyhalf Kade Wolhuter and Kwenzo Blose are also on the exit list.

The former Junior Springbok flyhalf’s career has been littered with injuries.

He joined the Lions on loan last season.

He has not enjoyed much game time at the Lions with Sanele Nohamba and Jordan Hendrikse dominating the pecking order.

However, with Hendrikse moving to Sharks it might open a door for Wolhuter at Lions.

“Kade Wolhuter was always one of our bright young stars, but with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Manie Libbok we didn’t want to keep him, especially if it’s going to hamper his career.”

Dobson conceded that Blose will join the Premiership side Exeter Chiefs.

“For Blose, it is another life-changing opportunity with a big club like Exeter.”

The other names on the exit list, are current BlitzBoks star Tristan Leyds (brother of Dillyn Leyds), Cornel Smith, Godlen Masimla, Chad Solomon, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Leon Lyons, Chris Hollis, Mnombo Zwelendaba, Jarrod Taylor, Junior Pokomela and Simon Miller.

“We are pleased to see most of the guys go onto bigger and better things but it is tough to see them leave.

“We are also acutely aware of our responsibility with our new ownership to produce a sustainable program.

“Player cost represents an overwhelming majority so we have to be forensic with our selections and how we strengthen our squad.

“We have to keep in mind these guys are bubbling under for a couple of years they need to play often and if we can’t do that they should be free to move on.”

He explained: “Players like Leon Lyons and Zwelendaba will join the Griquas to get more game time.

“We have the option to get them back, so it is not really farewell they are staying in our eco-system.

“The Griquas relationship will see a movement of players constantly both ways.”

Dobson mentioned that more transfer news is expected in the coming weeks.

@rugby365com