Scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies will be released from his contract with the DHL Stormers at the end of the current season to take up an offer to play in France.
The Springbok halfback and product of Kylemore, who first pulled on the blue and white hooped jersey at U13 level, will join French side Bayonne at the end of the season.
The 2019 World Cup winner made his DHL Stormers debut in 2018 and currently has 86 caps to his name. Despite being contracted until June 2026, he has been granted an early release to take up the offer in France.
Director of Rugby John Dobson said that having walked a long road with Jantjies, the DHL Stormers were never going to stand in his way and expect to see him return to finish his career in Cape Town as so many before him have.
“Herschel’s story is an inspirational one and we are immensely proud of what he has achieved here with us. We wish him all the best in France as he takes up a deal that will change things drastically for him and his young family.
“As we have seen with many of our stalwarts in the past, the plan is for Herschel to come back and finish his career in the blue and white jersey,” he said.
Dobson added that Jantjies’ departure at the end of the season will be a big opportunity for the next generation to walk a similar path.
“We have got some incredibly talented young scrumhalves in Imad Khan and Asad Moos who have both come through our system and we would love to see them emulate Herschel’s achievements.
“The future is definitely bright with the talent we have coming through the ranks here and we look forward to welcoming back an even more experienced Herschel Jantjies in the future,” he added.
Jantjies said that he will always be grateful for the opportunities he was given with the DHL Stormers to grow into the player he is today.
“This is a life-changing opportunity for me and my family. The DHL Stormers mean so much to me and the people of the region and I would not be in this position if it were not for the important role my coaches and teammates have played in my development as a player and a person.
“I will always be a DHL Stormers fan and want to thank all involved for the incredible years I have spent here playing the game that I love,” he said.