John Dobson says that the DHL Stormers have given Hacjivah Dayimani their blessing to take up a “life-changing opportunity” as the loose-forward is linked with a move to France.
Dayimani is among 15 players confirmed to be leaving the DHL Stormers at the end of the season on Tuesday.
A standout for the Stormers since moving to Cape Town from the Lions in 2021, Dayimani has been superb in the team’s run to back-to-back Vodacom URC finals in 2022 and 2023.
The 26-year-old, who has missed out on a place in the Springbok alignment camps and the latest training camp in Pretoria, has been heavily linked with a move to Top 14 giants Racing 92, who also contract Siya Kolisi.
“Hacjivah is a pretty prominent player,” Dobson told Rugby365.com.
“He has done an amazing job, not just on the field but for the project and what the Stormers is about.
“However we told him, that if he has a life-changing opportunity because he has a lot of responsibility and people who depend on him, we would not stand in his way.
“So we have not done that.
“He goes with our blessings and, hopefully, returns one day.”
Dayimani has been joined by two other senior loose forwards, Nama Xaba and Junior Pokomela, out the exit door.
Also departing the Stormers are up-and-coming props Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Leon Lyons and Kwenzo Blose, centres Mnombo Zwelendaba, Cornel Smit and Chris Hollis, hooker Chad Solomon, veteran scrumhalf Godlen Masimla, flyhalf Kade Wolhuter, loose forwards Jarrod Taylor and Simon Miller and outside back Tristan Leyds.
Dobson confirmed that young loosehead prop Blose would be taking up a move to Premiership side Exeter Chiefs.
“We are pleased to see most of the guys go onto bigger and better things but it is tough to see them leave,” he said.
“We are also acutely aware of our responsibility with our new ownership to produce a sustainable program. Player cost represents an overwhelming majority so we have to be forensic with our selections and how we strengthen our squad.
“We have to keep in mind these guys are bubbling under for a couple of years they need to play often and if we can’t do that they should be free to move on.
“Players like Leon Lyons and Zwelendaba will join the Griquas to get more game time,” Dobson added.
“We have the option to get them back, so it is not really farewell they are staying in our eco-system.
“The Griquas relationship will see a movement of players constantly both ways.”
Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images
The post Dobson: Dayimani leaves with Stormers’ blessing appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
