Springbok departs URC for Top 14 for 'life-changing opportunity'

Springbok scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies has been released from his DHL Stormers contract from the end of the season to facilitate a move to French Rugby’s Top 14 competition.

Linking up with mid-table outfit Bayonne, the 28-year-old World Cup winner will leave his home province with the good will of the club.

Speaking about his player’s decision to move on, DHL Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson said, “Herschel’s story is an inspirational one and we are immensely proud of what he has achieved here with us. We wish him all the best in France as he takes up a deal that will change things drastically for him and his young family.

“As we have seen with many of our stalwarts in the past, the plan is for Herschel to come back and finish his career in the blue and white jersey,” he said.

Dobson added that Jantjies’ departure at the end of the season will be a big opportunity for the next generation to walk a similar path.

“We have got some incredibly talented young scrumhalves in Imad Khan and Asad Moos who have both come through our system and we would love to see them emulate Herschel’s achievements.

“The future is definitely bright with the talent we have coming through the ranks here and we look forward to welcoming back an even more experienced Herschel Jantjies in the future,” he added.

For his part, Jantjies was effusive in his praise of the Stormers and how much he loved the club whilst acknowledging that the move to Bayonne was too good to turn down.

“This is a life-changing opportunity for me and my family. The DHL Stormers mean so much to me and the people of the region and I would not be in this position if it were not for the important role my coaches and teammates have played in my development as a player and a person.

“I will always be a DHL Stormers fan and want to thank all involved for the incredible years I have spent here playing the game that I love,” he said.