Hacjivah Dayimani is poised to sprint back into Stormers colours as the franchise scrambles to plug gaps in a battered forward pack.
Reports suggest the flamboyant loose forward will rejoin the Stormers as early as this week on a short-term deal from French club Racing 92, following a spate of injuries that has left the Cape side thin in the engine room.
While the exact length of the agreement remains unclear, indications are that the move will at least cover the remainder of the United Rugby Championship season.
Dayimani could be parachuted straight into action for the Stormers’ Vodacom URC clash against the Lions at Ellis Park on 28 February. This fixture demands forward steel and breakdown bite at altitude.
The 27-year-old was a key cog in the Stormers’ historic 2021/22 URC title run, playing with the energy of a livewire and the timing of a seasoned scavenger. His return comes as injury cover for Ruan Ackermann, who has been ruled out long term, while the Stormers’ lock stocks have also been stretched thin by extended absences to Salmaan Moerat and Ruben van Heerden.
Dayimani’s versatility is crucial. Comfortable across the loose trio and capable as a lineout jumper, he offers tactical flexibility at a time when Springbok utility forward Ben-Jason Dixon is expected to shift from openside flank to lock.
With the Stormers’ lineout creaking under pressure in recent outings, most notably against the Sharks, Dayimani’s aerial presence could be the missing lifter in a faltering set-piece.
Dayimani is also a hybrid option with the ability to cover centre and wing if the situation is warranted.
After securing an early release from the Stormers at the end of the 2023/24 season, Dayimani joined Racing 92, where he featured 19 times and crossed for three tries. However, he opted not to extend his stay in France, opening the door for a swift homecoming.
It may be a short-term reunion, but in a season where depth is as valuable as dominance, Dayimani’s return feels less like nostalgia and more like smart squad management. He is a familiar weapon brought back just when the Stormers need impact off the bench and bite at the breakdown.
