Stormers willing to wave transfer fee for Springboks snub’s French move while Bulls swoop for wantaways
Hacjivah-Dayimani-john-dobson
The Stormers look set to bid back-rower Hacjivah Dayimani farewell at the end of the season with a move to France on the cards.
The 26-year-old is reportedly in the ‘advance stages’ of agreeing a move to Top 14 outfit Racing 92 where he would link up with Springboks captain Siya Kolisi.
Dayimani’s current contract only expires at the end of the 2024/25 season but could depart the Cape Town-based side ahead of schedule.
Hacjivah Dayimani to leave Stormers
An insider at the Stormers told Afrikaans newspaper Rapport that there is a feeling in the coaching ranks that Dayimani does not ‘gel well’ with Evan Roos on the pitch as their styles of play don’t complement one another.
The pair have sparingly started in the same back-row this season and the side are willing to let him join Racing 92 so he can maximise his earnings.
“If they could, the Stormers would love to keep Hacjivah as he has the X-factor and has a great background story to tell,” the insider told Rapport.
“He will earn good money if France, if the Stormers grant him that. He has made the Stormers family proud over the past three seasons.”
Springboks hooker back in Rassie Erasmus’ plans after World Cup snub
Dayimani was not invited to the Springboks alignment camps and because he is not in the mix for Rassie Erasmus’ squad, SA Rugby do not contribute towards his salary. SA Rugby contributes towards the salaries of players deemed to be of national importance.
With Steven Kitshoff and JD Schikerling returning to the Stormers, the side are unable to offer Dayimani a competitive salary in comparison to Racing 92’s offer.
More departures?
The report adds that the Stormers are willing to wave a buy-out of the final year of his contract, a fee reportedly in the region of R1 million to R2 million.
Dayimani may not be the only Stormers back-rower departing the club at the end of the season with the Bulls reportedly in talks with Junior Pokomela and Nama Xaba.
This comes after the side announced that lock Ruben van Heerden has signed a contract extension with the Stormers until 2027.