Stormers’ scrumhalf dilemma: John Dobson sets record straight on Haashim Pead

While the Stormers are gearing up for the new United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign, their positional depth at scrumhalf has dominated recent discussions in Cape Town.

With reports linking South Africa U20 star Haashim Pead with a high-profile move from the Lions to the Western Cape, Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson has set the record straight on the transfer speculation.

Speculation surrounding the Bo-Kaap-born Pead suggested that the Stormers were willing to pay a massive transfer fee to secure the young halfback’s services from Johannesburg. However, a deal hasn’t yet materialised, with the Stormers announcing their 2026/27 URC squad without him in the mix, as he is still contracted to the Lions

However, Dobson firmly dismissed claims of exorbitant buyout figures, clarifying that while interest in the talented playmaker exists, no astronomical deals have been tabled.

“The first thing on the transfer fee thing… is complete hogwash,” Dobson stated. “Haashim is a guy we would like in the Stormers, and he would like to come to the Stormers, but he’s under contract with the Lions.

“There are conversations happening, but certainly not the figures that have been quoted, nothing like that. In terms of paying transfer fees, it’s not really a culture that exists in rugby.”

Dobson added that any movement would remain strictly between the player and his current union, reaffirming that the Stormers respect Pead’s contractual obligations with the Lions.

The urgency surrounding the scrumhalf position comes amidst an unfortunate injury setback for Imaad Khan. The energetic youngster, who enjoyed a breakout campaign last season, suffered a serious knee injury that will keep him sidelined for the majority of the URC season.

“His injury is a hell of a blow. I was looking for this to be his breakthrough season,” admitted Dobson. “I hope he’s back for the Munster game in April.

“It’s a horrible injury because with an ACL, you’re so immobile and it’s hard to stay part of the group when you’re on crutches. But he’s back in April, and we’ve got to put an arm around him… that kid is special.”

With Khan sidelined, the Stormers are leaning on depth options like Ezekiel Ngobeni alongside short-term roster solutions. The franchise has brought in former Bulls and Lions scrumhalf Andre Warner on a loan agreement from Major League Rugby’s Seattle Seawolves, where he has been training with the Cape side during his off-season.