Hacjivah Dayimani Rebuffs Claims of Springbok Snub as Motivation for French Departure and Returns to Stormers with Hybrid Versatility

Stormers star Hacjivah Dayimani reveals the true reason he moved to France and how his new hybrid winger/flank role is benefiting the Cape Town side.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 3, 2026, 7:46 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

Clarifying the Narrative on National Selection

Addressing the media ahead of the Stormers’ Champions Cup Round of 16 clash against Toulon, Hacjivah Dayimani was candid about the reasons behind his move to Racing 92 in 2024. While the South African public speculated that he left due to exclusion from Rassie Erasmus’ Springbok plans, Dayimani dismissed this as media conjecture. He acknowledged that while he was "in form" during that period, he was a realist about his standing among South African loose forwards, stating there were players better suited for the specific demands of the national team at the time.

The Pursuit of Growth in the French Top 14

Dayimani’s move to France was driven by a desire to "break the ceiling" of his game and provide financial security for his family. During his tenure at Racing 92, he worked under the guidance of rugby legends Joe Rokocoko and Frédéric Michalak. Despite facing a significant setback with an Achilles injury, the experience in the Northern Hemisphere allowed him to refine technical aspects of his play that are often neglected in the faster, more expansive Southern Hemisphere style.

Emergence as a Tactical Hybrid Player

One of the most significant outcomes of Dayimani’s time in France was his transition into a hybrid player. Racing 92 management prioritized his speed and athleticism by training him strictly as a winger for several months. While he has played in the backline sporadically since his early days at the Lions under Swys de Bruin, the focused training in France has made him comfortable covering wing, center, and flank. This versatility offers Stormers head coach John Dobson a unique tactical advantage, particularly when navigating mid-game injuries or strategic substitutions.