Haashim Pead, one of South Africa's most promising young scrumhalves, is set to join the Stormers for the upcoming 2026/27 United Rugby Championship (URC) and Champions Cup season. The 21-year-old Junior Springboks star had been the subject of a transfer tussle between the Lions and Stormers. Pead's move to the Stormers is expected to be finalized soon, with the Cape side securing his services on a long-term contract.
The Lions had attempted to retain Pead, promising him more playing time in the new URC season. However, Pead was likely to play behind Springbok Morné van den Berg and Nico Steyn. The Lions also have exciting youngsters in Asad Moos and Layton Horn who can step into the side. Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen had expressed confidence in Pead's abilities, stating that he could become a Springbok with the team.
Stormers director of rugby John Dobson had clarified their interest in signing Pead, acknowledging that the young scrumhalf remained under contract with the Lions. Dobson played down reports of a massive transfer fee, stating that the figures quoted were "complete hogwash." The Stormers have long hunted for Pead's services, and his contract extension with the Lions in January had put a spanner in the works.
Pead's signing will bring immediate relief to the scrumhalf headache in Cape Town. Fellow youngster Imad Khan is out until next April with an ACL injury, while Cobus Reinach will be unavailable for large parts of the season due to his Springboks commitments. Stefan Ungerer is currently the only senior No 9, with Ezekiel Ngobeni and Jayden Brits still untested at this level.
Pead could make his debut for the Stormers as early as the match against the Sharks on 10 October. His style of rugby should fit the Cape side like a glove, and the Stormers will hope the move allows him to kick on and fulfil the promise he has shown at junior and franchise level. For Pead, the hard part now is over, and it's all about putting the tug-of-war over his services behind him.
The Stormers have unveiled their squad for the URC campaign, headlined by 15 Springboks. The team is expected to be boosted by Pead's arrival, who will provide valuable cover at scrumhalf. Pead's homecoming to Cape Town is set to be a significant boost to the Stormers, who have long wanted to see the exciting No 9 in their colours.
The transfer saga surrounding Pead has finally come to an end, with the young scrumhalf set to join the Stormers. Pead's move is expected to be finalized soon, and he will look to make an impact in the URC and Champions Cup seasons. The Stormers will hope that Pead's arrival will help them achieve success in the upcoming seasons.
Key points
- Haashim Pead set to join Stormers for 2026/27 URC and Champions Cup season
- Pead's move to Stormers expected to be finalized soon
- Pead could make debut for Stormers against Sharks on 10 October
