The Lions rugby franchise has confirmed the departure of promising young scrumhalf Haashim Pead, who will join the Stormers in Cape Town ahead of the new United Rugby Championship season. Pead, 21, has made a rapid rise in his career since joining the Lions in 2024. He attended Bishops and played schoolboy rugby in the Western Cape before moving to Johannesburg. The Lions confirmed Pead's departure on Monday, stating that he had opted to continue his rugby journey in Cape Town.
Pead established himself as a standout young talent at Ellis Park, making his senior domestic debut in the Currie Cup against the Bulls. He also earned his international debut against the Newcastle Red Bulls in the Challenge Cup. In 2025, Pead was named the Lions' Junior Player of the Year, recognizing his impressive performances and development at the franchise. During that period, he also formed part of the title-winning Junior Springboks who were crowned World Rugby U20 Champions.
Pead's form attracted attention at national level, earning a call-up to Rassie Erasmus's Springbok alignment camp for the 2025/26 season. He also played for the South African A side against Zimbabwe earlier this year. The move to the Stormers represents another significant step in Pead's career, as he returns to Cape Town to continue his development with the inaugural URC winners. The Stormers will add depth to their scrumhalf stocks with Pead's arrival.
The move almost fell through last week due to the Lions wanting a big release fee, as Pead still had two years on his contract with them. However, an agreement was eventually reached, allowing Pead to join the Stormers. Lions Rugby Company CEO Rudolf Straeuli thanked Pead for his contribution to the franchise and wished him well in the next chapter of his career. Straeuli acknowledged Pead's exceptional talent and dedication since beginning his professional career with the Lions in 2024.
Pead's departure leaves the Lions without one of their promising young scrumhalves, although they will have Springbok Morné van den Berg, Nico Steyn, Asad Moos, and Layton Horn to select from. At the Stormers, Pead will look to continue developing alongside players like Bok star Cobus Reinach, Stefan Ungerer, Imad Khan, and Ezekiel Ngobeni. The Stormers have unveiled their squad for the URC campaign, headlined by 15 Springboks.
The transfer saga surrounding Pead's move to the Stormers had been ongoing, with Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen previously backing him to play a bigger role in the team. However, the Stormers' persistence eventually paid off, and Pead will now return to Cape Town to continue his rugby journey. The Stormers are looking to build on their success as inaugural URC winners.
Pead's move to the Stormers marks a new chapter in his career, as he looks to continue his development and contribute to the team's success. With his talent, dedication, and experience, Pead is expected to make a significant impact at the Stormers. The Stormers will look to utilize Pead's skills to achieve their goals in the upcoming URC season.
Key points
- Haashim Pead leaves Lions for Stormers
- Pead was named Lions' Junior Player of the Year in 2025
- Pead will play alongside Bok star Cobus Reinach at the Stormers
