The Stormers are in talks with Damian de Allende about a return to Cape Town once his contract with Saitama Wild Knights expires in 12 months. According to Rapport, coach John Dobson is targeting the 34-year-old inside centre as a direct replacement for Dan du Plessis, who is heading to Bordeaux in the Top 14. De Allende, who began his career with the Stormers before stints at Munster and Saitama, has scored 19 tries in 60 appearances for the Wild Knights over four seasons and is closing in on a century of Springbok caps.
The Lions, meanwhile, have moved to address their lock stocks by agreeing a deal with JP du Preez, who is departing Red Hurricanes in Japan to return to the union where he began his career. Du Preez fills the gap left by Darrien Landsberg, bound for Exeter Chiefs. Rapport also links the Lions with Sikhumbuzo Notshe, the former Springbok loose forward who is among 19 players released by Montauban following their bottom-placed finish in the Top 14 last season.
On the outbound side, Jannes Kirsten is leaving the Bulls for Mont-de-Marsan in Championnat Fédéral Nationale — a Pro D2 outfit that suffered relegation last season and is rebuilding with 17 new signings. Kirsten's move comes weeks after coming off the bench in the URC Final loss to Leinster.