The DHL Stormers have completed a deal to bring highly rated scrumhalf Haashim Pead back to Cape Town from the Lions.
According to News24, the two clubs have reached an agreement for the 21-year-old, bringing an end to weeks of speculation over his future.
Pead, who is contracted to the Lions until 2028, had been strongly linked with a return to his home city.
The Bo-Kaap-born scrumhalf was named Player of the Tournament at the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship after playing a key role in South Africa’s title-winning campaign.
The move is particularly significant for the Stormers following Imad Khan’s serious knee injury during the Greatest Rivalry Series against the All Blacks. Khan, who enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season, is expected to be sidelined for several months.
The Stormers had previously confirmed their interest in Pead, although negotiations appeared to have stalled over the Lions’ demands for a transfer fee.
That impasse has now been resolved, with Pead expected to join the Stormers after their European tour.
He could make his debut against the Sharks at Cape Town Stadium on 10 October.
Pead’s arrival strengthens the Stormers’ scrumhalf stocks and gives the Cape franchise another exciting young player with significant potential.
For Pead, the move represents a homecoming and an opportunity to continue his development in Cape Town after establishing himself as one of South Africa’s brightest young scrumhalf prospects.
