'I wasn't the best flank': Stormers star clears the air on Bok talk
SPOTLIGHT: Hacjivah Dayimani wants the South African rugby public to know the truth about why he left the Stormers for Racing 92 in 2024.
The loose forward was in excellent form back then, and there was talk about him being potentially included in Rassie Erasmus’ squad for the Test season.
However, he was left out, and not long after that, he took up the opportunity in France.
There were suggestions that he left South Africa because he was overlooked for Bok honours. However, Dayimani, who returned to the Stormers earlier this year, says that’s not the truth.
The story continues below…
“So, obviously, it went [in the media] that I left because I was not in the Springbok team. That wasn’t the case,” he told reporters ahead of the Stormers’ Champions Cup Round of 16 clash against Toulon on Saturday.
“I was playing well. I was an in-form flank, but I wasn’t the best flank.
“Yes, I was in form, but if it had to come down to who are the best guys for the job, I think there were a lot of loose forwards that were better than me, and I really knew that.
“I was really real about that. It was obviously the media playing with that because I was having man-of-the-match awards. It was a situation where everyone kind of wanted me there because of the style of play and everything.
“I got to a point where I felt I’ve reached the ceiling in the situation, where I felt there are so many places where my game could change and improve.
“I felt that France was the perfect place for me to go and also look after my family. I had an agreement with Dobbo [Stormers head coach John Dobson], and we had the conversation.”
Dayimani added: “Coming back, it’s gone to a point where I am a realist. It’s not about being more relaxed; it’s about knowing what my job is, and I know what I can do.
“I know what I am capable of.
“There’s only so much that I can improve and add to the team. If it happens [being called up one day], it happens. If it doesn’t happen, I just want to make the people proud from where I come from.”
Hybrid role
During his time in France, which included a lengthy time on the sidelines with an Achilles injury, Racing were intent on turning him into a “hybrid player”.
It meant that he primarily had to focus on the wing position during his time there, and it’s something he has embraced.
“When I was in South Africa from the Swys de Bruin days [at the Lions], they’ve always moved me to centre or wing,” he explained.
“I came on in Super Rugby at wing. In the Currie Cup I’ve played centre, and I played wing in the URC when we had a red or yellow card.
“When I went to France, Joe Rokocoko and Freddie Michalak were like, ‘If we don’t put you on the wing, it’s just a waste. We have to try it out’.
“I went three or four months training strictly at wing and working on my positioning, kicking and working on how to understand the game.
“I worked with Joe and coming back now, it has opened up my arsenal.
“If I’m needed on the wing, I’m obviously not uncomfortable, and I can definitely do it.
“At this point, I am willing to play wing, centre or flank depending on where the coach puts me.”
@rugby35com
