Haashim Pead’s stint with the Lions is over and the scrumhalf is free to continue his career elsewhere.
The Lions Rugby Company on Monday officially confirmed Pead’s departure, adding that the 21-year-old will be leaving the club to join the Stormers.
“Pead, who began his professional career at the Lions in 2024, has made the decision to continue his rugby journey in the Western Cape,” a Lions statement read.
“During his time in Johannesburg, he established himself as a standout talent, earning his senior domestic debut in the Currie Cup against the Bulls followed by an international debut against the Newcastle Red Bulls.”
Lions Rugby Company CEO Rudolf Straeuli added: “Haashim has been a dedicated and exceptional talent since beginning his professional career with us in 2024.
“While we are sad to see him depart Johannesburg, we respect his decision to take on a new challenge with the Stormers. We thank him for his service to the Lions and wish him success in the next chapter of his career.”
ALSO: Pead paying Lions out of own pocket
The move ends weeks of speculation, with Pead’s management, Roc Nation, understood having negotiated with both clubs after the halfback found himself behind Morné van den Berg and Nico Steyn in the Lions’ pecking order.
The Junior Boks star, who scored six tries as South Africa won last year’s Junior World Championship, will reportedly contribute towards the fee needed to buy him out of his Lions contract, which runs until 2028.
He is expected to sign with the Stormers until 2030, joining a scrumhalf pool light on numbers after Dewaldt Duvenage’s retirement and a serious knee injury to Imad Khan, with Springbok Cobus Reinach also set to be unavailable for periods of the season.
Pead could make his Stormers debut against the Sharks at Cape Town Stadium on 10 October.
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Photo: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images
The post Lions draw a line under Pead saga appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Haashim Pead’s stint with the Lions is over and the scrumhalf is free to continue his career elsewhere.
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