Haashim Pead Transfer Takes Another Twist As Stormers Push to Sign Lions Star

• Haashim Pead’s proposed move to the Stormers has taken another unexpected turn as negotiations over his Lions exit continue
• The Junior Springbok scrumhalf is edging closer to a return to Cape Town, but there is an unusual twist to the deal
• The Stormers have stepped up their efforts to secure the highly rated No 9, with several parties now involved in the negotiations

Haashim Pead is reportedly set to contribute towards the transfer fee needed to complete his move from the Lions to the Stormers, adding another twist to a saga that has stretched across September.

The 21-year-old scrumhalf remains contracted to the Lions until 2028, but the Stormers have continued pursuing a deal after negotiations between the two clubs progressed.

SA Rugby Magazine reported on 20 September that the Stormers had increased their offer, with Pead’s agency Roc Nation, the Lions and the Cape Town club expected to finalise the agreement on Monday.

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Rapport reported that Pead would contribute a portion of the fee needed to buy him out of his Lions contract, which runs until 2028. This follows a News24 report on Saturday that the Lions and Stormers had reached a broad agreement on the transfer, with a third party helping the Cape club cover what was described as a "reasonable" fee.

Lions contract and Stormers move

Pead’s reported contribution comes as the Stormers seek to complete a move for the Bo-Kaap-born player, who came through the Western Cape rugby system. His Lions contract remains central to the negotiations. The final transfer fee has not been disclosed.

The Stormers’ interest follows a difficult period of uncertainty over the proposed move. On 17 September, director of rugby John Dobson dismissed figures being circulated about the deal as “hogwash”, while confirming that Pead remained under contract with the Lions.

The latest developments suggest the negotiations have since advanced.

Why the Stormers want Haashim Pead

Pead is reportedly seeking greater playing opportunities after falling behind Morné van den Berg and Nico Steyn in the Lions’ scrumhalf pecking order.

The Stormers, meanwhile, have several factors affecting their No 9 depth, including Dewaldt Duvenage’s retirement, Imad Khan’s knee injury and periods when Springbok Cobus Reinach will be unavailable.

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The Stormers have already confirmed their 56-man squad for the 2026/27 season, with the campaign beginning against Connacht in Galway on 25 September. If the agreement is completed, Pead could join the Stormers within days.

Pead's willingness to personally contribute to his own transfer fee underlines how eager he is to secure the move and establish himself as a regular starter in the United Rugby Championship.

Stormers ownership change adds context

Briefly News previously reported that the Le Roux family had strengthened its control of the Stormers after Fynbos Ekwiteit acquired Ardagh Glass Packaging’s stake in Red Disa, which holds a controlling 71.5% share of Western Province Professional Rugby.

The ownership change comes as the Stormers continue investing in local talent and strengthening their squad, with the club also pursuing established players and building its long-term rugby pathway.

Source: Briefly News