Dobbo clears up Haashim ‘smoke’

The Stormers will not approach the Lions to demand Haashim Pead’s release, but the Cape club would be first in line if the scrumhalf becomes available.

Director of rugby John Dobson on Thursday confirmed that Pead remains under contract with the Lions and dismissed the figures being reported regarding his possible move to Cape Town as “hogwash”.

According to reports, talks between the Stormers and Lions over Pead joining the Capetonians were close to breaking down. The 21-year-old is contracted until 2028.

SQUAD: Stormers go back to the future

The Lions have reportedly demanded a record transfer fee of more than double the R800,000 paid for Siya Kolisi’s move to the Stormers.

“First, on the transfer-fee thing, the Siya thing is complete hogwash. We didn’t pay a transfer fee for Siya,” Dobson told reporters.

“Haashim is a guy we would like at the Stormers. He would like to come to the Stormers, but he’s under contract with the Lions. There are conversations happening, certainly not at the figures that have been quoted – nothing like that.

2026-27 URC PREVIEW: Stormers

“Sometimes I think we associate it with UK football, but in terms of paying transfer fees, it’s not really a culture that exists in rugby. I think sometimes a player can look to buy out his contract, or come to an arrangement with his union.

“Haashim’s employed by the Lions. We’re not going to the Lions and asking for Haashim Pead. We would love to have him if he were to become available, but whether he becomes available is a decision between him and the Lions.

“I don’t want to mislead you guys. There’s some smoke, but I wouldn’t say it’s a full-blown fire, because we’ve told Haashim we’d love to have him, but we absolutely want to respect his contract and arrangement with the Lions.

“If the Lions decide to release him and Haashim’s got that relationship with them, then I think we’d be at the front of the queue.”

SA URC TRANSFERS: Who’s in, who’s out

Dobson said the Stormers were happy with young scrumhalves Jayden Brits and Ezekiel Ngobeni, both named in a 56-man squad for the 2026-27 URC and Investec Champions Cup campaign.

André Warner, who featured in a pre-season clash against the Bulls last week, has been training with the team and could become available courtesy of a relationship with his US side, the Seattle Seawolves.

Click here to read article