February 13, 2025

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO | Hacjivah Dayimani says it would be nice being part of the Bomb Squad

Hacjivah Dayimani’s distinction as a world-class rugby player extends beyond his on-field abilities, with his flamboyant personal style capturing attention both on and off the pitch.

The enigmatic former Stormers loose forward is known for his eclectic fashion, often sporting nail polish, multi-coloured hair, and unique outfits, which have only intensified since his move to Paris in July 2024.

There, he has embraced the fashion capital of the world while working on refining his rugby skills at Top 14 club Racing 92.

Hacjivah Dayimani in action for Racing 92 Pic: Instagram

Dayimani’s decision to leave South Africa wasn’t easy, but it was driven by his deep desire to play for the Springboks.

He recognized that despite his achievements in South Africa, such as winning the inaugural United Rugby Championship (URC) in 2022, he needed to take his game to a new level.

“At first, I never wanted to leave South Africa, but I was real with myself. I kind of hit that ceiling,” Dayimani admitted in an exclusive interview with Telecom Asia Sport.

He realized that despite his Man of the Match awards, he wasn’t being recognized at the international level, and a move to a more competitive league was necessary to prove himself.

Inspired by players like Cheslin Kolbe, who was initially overlooked due to his size but later became a key figure in the Springboks’ World Cup victories, Dayimani hoped that playing in France would offer a similar platform to showcase his talents.

He also noted that other South African players, such as Marco van Staden and Jasper Wiese, had made successful moves overseas and impressed national selectors.

 “It’s all up to you,” he explained.

“You need to prove your worth out there.”

Now at Racing 92, Dayimani will wear the number eight jersey when they face the Stormers in the final round of the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) competition on Saturday. 

This match, which takes place at the Paris La Défense Arena, holds extra significance as it’s the venue where South African swimmer Tatjana Schoenmaker won the country’s first gold medal at the 2024 Olympics.

Dayimani’s journey to Racing 92 is underscored by his desire to refine aspects of his game that would make him a more attractive option for Springbok selection.

His versatility and athleticism were key to his success with the Stormers, where he formed a formidable back row with Deon Fourie and Evan Roos.

Unlike traditional power-running No. 8s, Dayimani brought speed, agility, and creativity to the position, regularly making impact runs and scoring tries.

Hacjivah Dayimani in the colours of the Stormers Pic: Instagram

However, his exclusion from the Springboks’ initial training camp in 2024 came as a surprise to many.

Dayimani believes that while he had high tackle completion rates, his playing style—often involving running wide rather than engaging in tight, physical rucks—may have been seen as a drawback. 

He admitted that Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus didn’t discuss his exclusion directly with him but suggested he needed to improve his physicality and dominate the collisions.

This feedback motivated Dayimani to join Racing 92 and work with coach Stuart Lancaster.

The Top 14 is one of the most physical leagues in rugby, and Dayimani saw it as an opportunity to refine the areas of his game that would make him more well-rounded.

 “Everyone knows I can run with a ball; it was time to improve in the other aspects of my game,” he said. 

Working with Lancaster, who had coached both England and Leinster, Dayimani has focused on adding more physicality to his game without sacrificing his speed and flair.

Dayimani also noted that his time with the Stormers impacted his development, particularly in terms of playing an expansive game. 

The team’s tactics often emphasized running wide, which limited his ability to develop his physicality and work in the tighter spaces of the field.

In contrast, Racing 92 has given him the opportunity to develop a more complete game, one that balances his speed with the physicality needed to succeed at the highest levels.

Looking back on his time with the Stormers, Dayimani acknowledged the strengths he developed there, such as his lineout work, which he believes could have made him a valuable addition to the Springboks’ “Bomb Squad.” 

His ability to play multiple positions, from open and blindside flanker to No. 8, also made him a versatile option for the national team.

However, he realized that to make the Springboks, he had to improve in certain areas, especially physicality.

“Being able to play 6, 7, and 8 as well as cover wing and center would have been something nice,” he said, but he remains focused on the task at hand.

“It would have been nice being part of the Bomb Squad, but that’s in a different world.”

Dayimani is determined to prove himself this season, hoping his improved physicality and well-rounded game will attract the attention of Springbok selectors.

His time at Racing 92 is not just a personal challenge but also an opportunity to prepare himself for international rugby and fulfill his dream of representing South Africa in the green and gold.

With the guidance of an accomplished coach like Stuart Lancaster and the experience of playing in one of the world’s most competitive physical leagues, Dayimani is confident that he is on the right path to achieving his goal.

And with his unique blend of style, flair, and determination, he is committed to leaving his mark on the world of international rugby.

Teams

Racing 92: 15 Tristan Tedder, 14 Vinaya Habosi, 13 Josua Tuisova, 12 Dan Lancaster, 11 Max Spring, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Nolann le Garrec, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Maxime Baudonne, 6 Ibrahim Diallo (captain), 5 Romain Taofifenua, 4 Will Rowlands, 3 Thomas Laclayat, 2 Feleti Kaitu’u, 1 Hassane Kolingar
Replacements: 16 Diego Escobar, 17 Guram Gogichashvili, 18 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 19 Boris Palu, 20 Jordan Joseph, 21 Cameron Woki, 22 Antoine Gibert, 23 Henry Chavancy

Stormers: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Ben Loader, 10 Jurie Matthee, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Marcel Theunissen, 6 Willie Engelbrecht, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain), 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Sti Sithole.
Replacements: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Frans Malherbe, 19 JD Schickerling, 20 Dave Ewers, 21 Paul de Villiers, 22 Herschel Jantjies, 23 Jean-Luc du Plessis.

Referee: Anthony Woodthorpe
Assistant Referees: Karl Dickson, John Meredith

TMO: Andrew Jackson

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