Haashim Pead, 21, is set to return to Cape Town and join the Stormers — a dramatic 180-degree turn just 48 hours after Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen publicly declared the Junior Springbok scrumhalf was staying at Ellis Park and would be developed into a full Springbok.
At the Lions’ URC season launch on Thursday, Van Rooyen said: “Can he become a Bok with us? I am confident he can.” He praised Pead’s 15 caps in his first season and pledged him more game time. The tug-of-war between the two clubs appeared settled — until it wasn’t.
The backstory: Pead, a product of Bishops in the Bo-Kaap, joined the Lions at the start of 2025 after failing to secure a contract with the Stormers. Named Junior Springbok Player of the Year in 2025, he scored six tries at the U20 World Cup and represented the Springbok A side. But at Ellis Park, he found himself behind Morné van den Berg and Nico Steyn in the No 9 pecking order, logging just 269 URC minutes.
The saga: The Stormers, thin at scrumhalf with Imaad Khan sidelined with a serious knee injury and veteran Cobus Reinach (36) expected to sit out periods of the season due to Springbok resting protocols, made a bid. Negotiations broke down when the Lions reportedly demanded a record transfer fee — more than double the R800,000 associated with Siya Kolisi’s earlier move. The Stormers walked away, confirmed their 56-man URC squad without Pead, and Director of Rugby John Dobson dismissed the fee reports as “complete hogwash.”
The turnaround: On Saturday, News24 reported a deal had finally been reached, with a third party helping the Stormers pay a “reasonable” fee. According to Rapport, Pead himself will contribute towards the buyout of his Lions contract, which runs until 2028. His new Stormers contract is reportedly until 2030.
Pead is expected to link up with the Stormers after their European tour (facing Connacht and Edinburgh) and could make his debut against the Sharks at Cape Town Stadium on 10 October.
The move — brokered through his agency Roc Nation, which also represents Siya Kolisi — completes a full circle for the Bo-Kaap-born playmaker, who is now back in his home city with a clear path to regular URC game time and, ultimately, a Springbok jersey.
