Lleyton Davids, a rising star in South African rugby, has secured his first professional contract with the Stormers. The 25-year-old winger from Bonnievale, Boland, was discovered while playing for Robertson Town in the Boland club rugby league. Davids' impressive performance, which included scoring 31 tries in 19 games, caught the attention of the Stormers. His agent, Shafiek Mouton of F7 Sports Management, confirmed the signing on Wednesday.
Davids' speed and agility on the field have made him a sensation on social media, with videos of his breathtaking acceleration and try-scoring ability going viral. As a former three-time South African senior triple jump champion, Davids' athleticism is no surprise. He also boasts an impressive 100m sprint time of approximately 10.30 seconds. His unique combination of speed and power has drawn comparisons to a "freak" athlete.
The Stormers' interest in Davids began when he was invited to train with the team in Cape Town. He was subsequently selected to play in a pre-season friendly against the Bulls in Paarl, where he scored a spectacular try. Davids' performance in the match further solidified his potential, and the Stormers decided to invest in his development.
Despite being left out of the Stormers' initial United Rugby Championship squad, Davids is viewed as a long-term project by coach John Dobson. Dobson believes that Davids needs time to adapt to the tactical demands of top-flight rugby and the URC. The coach has expressed his enthusiasm for Davids, describing him as "the Robertson Express" and stating that the team will "keep developing him and keep him with us."
According to Dobson, Davids will require at least a year to develop his skills and adapt to the contestable game. As a result, he will not play URC rugby this season. However, the Stormers are committed to his growth and will continue to work with him to improve his game. Davids' signing is seen as a strategic move by the Stormers, who are willing to invest in young talent.
Davids' journey to professional rugby is a remarkable one, considering his background in track and field. His experience as a triple jump champion has clearly translated to the rugby field, where his speed and agility have become his greatest assets. With the Stormers' support, Davids aims to make a lasting impact in the world of professional rugby.
The Stormers' decision to sign Davids has generated excitement among fans and pundits alike. As a young and talented player, Davids has the potential to make a significant contribution to the team in the future. With his speed, agility, and try-scoring ability, Davids is set to become a key player for the Stormers in the years to come.
Key points
- Lleyton Davids has signed a professional contract with the Stormers after impressing with his speed and try-scoring ability in club rugby.
- Davids will not play URC rugby this season but will continue to develop his skills with the Stormers.
- The 25-year-old winger from Boland has a background in track and field, having won three national senior triple jump championships.
