VIDEO: Stormers boss addresses Notshe's 'homecoming'
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: With the season drawing to a close, the annual transfer frenzy has been picking up rapidly, and one man who has been making headlines is Sikhumbuzo Notshe.
The loose forward was among the Sharks stars, including Curwin Bosch and Werner Kok, who received a fond farewell during the franchise’s awards on Monday.
While his future club has yet to be confirmed, it is clear that the 31-year-old has closed the door on his four-year Sharks stint.
Thank you for all the memories 🖤🦈#SharksPlayerOfTheYearAwards pic.twitter.com/i839kKG18P
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) June 3, 2024
Notshe has endured a very challenging season with an injury keeping him on the sidelines. He made just seven starts this season and fell out of favour under coach John Plumtree.
The loose forward has been linked to a move back to his former side the Stormers, where he started his professional career in 2013.
Nothse made more than 50 appearances for the Stormers and earned a Springbok call-up during his time in Cape Town.
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When asked about the transfer talk surrounding Notshe, Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson admitted there is a clear line of communication between the mentor and former pupil.
However, no formal negotiations have occurred.
“My big hope with Notshe is that he gets a nice gig, where he progresses his career and gets back to where he was. I’m not sure that’s going to be here.
“We’ve had chats, but nothing formal about the Stormers. It is fluid. I was hoping the Sharks would extend his contract. I genuinely just want Notshe to be ok.”
Dobson added: “As much as I would love him back here, because of how much I like him personally, I must do what’s right for his career.
“The timing might not be quite right.
“The one thing about this season, we’ve probably been overstocked at loose forward.
“So some guys didn’t get the game time they wanted. Willie [Engelbercht] and Junior [Pokomela] dropped much game time. We actually need to be a bit thinner there. So it’s unlikely.”
