Haashim Pead has been signed by Jay-Z's Roc Nation Sports, following in Siya Kolisi's footsteps at the high-profile management agency. The young South African back has been attracting attention as one of the country's most exciting emerging talents.
Haashim Pead, the highly rated young South African back, has been signed by Roc Nation Sports, the sports management agency founded by Jay-Z.
The signing places Pead in the same stable as a roster of elite global athletes and follows a path previously taken by Siya Kolisi, who has been represented by Roc Nation in recent years.
Pead has drawn significant attention in South African rugby circles, with those in the industry describing him as a generational talent.
Siya Kolisi returns to the matchday squad for the Sharks' URC regular-season finale against Edinburgh on Friday, ending his absence with a calf injury. The timing is significant given the Sharks have been severely tested by injuries throughout the campaign.
Siya Kolisi returns from injury for the Sharks' URC clash against Edinburgh on Friday. André Esterhuizen has also been handed a new role in a reshuffled Sharks midfield that has attracted significant pre-match attention.
Lions flanker Siba Mahashe is drawing Siya Kolisi comparisons after a standout start to his URC career — four tries in seven games, elite tackle stats, and a leadership pedigree that stretches back to SA Schools.
Rugby365 identifies seven SA players whose current form makes them pivotal to the URC playoff race — from Roos and Papier to Chris Smith's 123-point season and Rudolph's competition-leading turnover count.
Wynona Louw profiles the seven in-form South African players she believes will be decisive in the URC playoff race, with Roos, Papier, Smith and Buthelezi among those highlighted as their franchises push for a top-eight finish.