Snubbed Springboks hopeful leaves Stormers to join Siya Kolisi in France – report
Siya-Kolisi-Hacjivah-Dayimani-racing-92-top-14-rugby
Stormers star back-rower Hacjivah Dayimani will reportedly leave South Africa at the end of the season to join a French Top 14 club.
Dayimani has been a standout for the Stormers since joining John Dobson’s side from the Lions in 2021.
Hacjivah Dayimani signs with Racing 92
The box-office attacking loose forward has featured on the flank and at number eight for the Stormers and was superb in the side’s run to the United Rugby Championship final last season.
He was particularly impactful at number eight when Evan Roos was sidelined for the Cape Town-based side and has continued that form this season.
Despite his fine form, he has been overlooked by the Springboks coaching staff and has yet to be involved in any training squads. More recently, he was not invited to Rassie Erasmus’ alignment camps with the likes of Mpilo Guemede, Elrigh Louw and Cameron Hanekom in attendance.
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However, it has been reported that after his recent international snub, Dayimani is considering his options and looks to have caught the attention of Top 14 giants Racing 92.
Stuart Lancaster has already signed French internationals Romain Taofifenua and Demba Bamba ahead of next season as well as former England captain Owen Farrell.
According to respected French publication L’Equipe, Dayimani is close to signing a two-year deal with an option of a third season in Paris.
The Stormers star could, therefore, link up with Boks captain Siya Kolisi at Racing 92 in what will be a hammer blow to Dobson’s squad despite the confirmed returns of Steven Kitshoff and JD Schickerling ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Dayimani would also link up with Chile’s star Diego Escobar. Racing 92 is in the market for a back-rower, with Wenceslas Lauret retiring and Baptiste Chouzenoux set to join Bayonne.
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Bulls sign Sharks playmaker
While the Stormers look set to lose a star player, Jake White’s Bulls have announced their latest recruit, signing Boeta Chamberlain from the Sharks.
Chamberlain has fallen out of favour with the Sharks under John Plumtree this season but will offer the Bulls a handy option at fly-half and full-back next season.
The 25-year-old has an accurate boot and is known for nailing a drop goal or two.
He is the second signing the Bulls have confirmed ahead of the new season, with former Stormers lock/flank and Sale Sharks star Cobus Wiese returning to South Africa to join the Pretoria-based side.