Springboks and Stormers fly-half Manie Libbok will link up with Quade Cooper in Japan, according to reports, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu fields interest from abroad.
It’s understood that Libbok has been granted a sabbatical from the Stormers for next season and will enjoy a stint in the Japanese Rugby League One.
The playmaker struck the deal with the Cape Town-based side in March and has fielded serious interest from multiple teams in Japan since, but according to the latest reports, he will be joining the Hanazono Kintetsu Liners.
Libbok’s Japanese move
If true, Libbok has been recruited to replace former Wallabies fly-half Quade Cooper at the club, with the 37-year-old hanging up his boots and reportedly joining the coaching team next season.
Cooper starred alongside his long-time halfback partner Will Genia in the 38-7 victory over the Toyota Shuttles this weekend, which has sealed a shot at promotion.
Currently in the second division in Japan, the Liners will face the Honda Heat in the promotion-relegation match, with victory seeing the side earn a place in the first division next season.
According to Rapport, Libbok has signed a deal with the Liners, and while he is contracted to the Stormers until 2028, director of rugby John Dobson confirmed to the publication that there is a chance that he may not return.
The fly-half has endured a spell on the sidelines through injury and was set to return against the Dragons in the United Rugby Championship.
However, he did not get the necessary clearance from the medical team, but could feature in the Stormers’ final round of the regular season against Cardiff.
Dobson would not be short on options if Libbok weren’t to return to the Stormers after a stint in Japan with versatile backs Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Damian Willemse on the club’s books.
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Feinberg-Mngomezulu interest
A report by Netwerk24 states that Libbok has requested an early release from his contract at the Stormers to make his move abroad permanent with the club, yet to make a decision.
The Stormers do, however, want to extend Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s contract beyond its current expiry of 2027 with the Springboks rookie fielding ‘astronomical offers’ from clubs abroad.
Jurie Matthee and Jean-Luc du Plessis would provide further fly-half cover if Libbok were to leave with youngsters Kyle Smith and Yaqeen Ahmed also in the youth ranks.
Additionally, Rapport states that Libbok will be joined at the Liners by his former Bulls teammate Burger Odendaal, who is set to leave Northampton Saints at the end of the season.
It would be the midfielder’s second stint in Japan, having previously played for the Kubota Spears.
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Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/sacha-feinberg-mngomezulu-fields-astronomical-offers-as-manie-libbok-signs-for-quade-coopers-club
