{
  "id": 8502894,
  "title": "Haashim Pead poised to join Stormers just days after Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen backed him",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/haashim-pead-poised-to-join-stormers-just-days-after-lions-coach-ivan",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-19T17:23:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/sport/rugby/urc/2026-09-19-haashim-pead-poised-to-join-stormers-just-days-after-lions-coach-ivan-van-rooyen-backed-him/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Haashim Pead, a talented 21-year-old scrumhalf, is set to join the Stormers just days after Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen expressed his optimism about Pead's future with the Lions. The South African rugby prodigy, who joined the Lions at the beginning of 2025, has reportedly packed his bags and is headed back to his roots in Bo-Kaap, Cape Town. News24 reported that the move to the Stormers is imminent, creating a sudden 180-degree turnaround from Van Rooyen's earlier comments. Pead, a product of Bishops in Cape Town, had earlier joined the Lions after failing to secure a contract with the Stormers. The young talent's potential was recognized last year when American sports marketing giants Roc Nation signed him, adding him to a stable that includes Springbok captain Siya Kolisi. Pead's time with the Lions has been challenging, as he currently trails Springbok players Morné van den Berg and Nico Steyn in the scrumhalf hierarchy. With the Stormers having Cobus Reinach as their No 1 scrumhalf and Imad Khan sidelined with a knee injury, an opening has emerged for Pead. The Stormers will kick off their United Rugby Championship campaign away to Connacht before hosting Edinburgh on October 2nd. Meanwhile, the Lions will face defending champions Leinster in their opening game at Ellis Park on September 26th.",
  "summary": "Just 48 hours after Ivan van Rooyen claimed Haashim Pead was staying at Ellis Park, the Junior Springbok scrumhalf is reportedly heading back to Cape Town and the Stormers.",
  "key_points": [
    "Haashim Pead, 21, to join Stormers soon",
    "Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen supports Pead",
    "Pead returns to Bo-Kaap, Cape Town"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}