Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Wandisile Simelane attracting interest from France, England and Japan

Wandisile Simelane of South Africa during the South Africa training session at St Stithians College on July 04, 2021 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Wandisile Simelane and his man-of-the-match display against Sale Sharks in the Investec Champions Cup on Saturday could have secured him a lucrative move abroad when his contract runs out at the end of the season.

ADVERTISEMENT

Johannesburg-born Simelane, 26, was brilliant in the 40-0 six-try demolition of Alex Sanderson’s side in Cape Town as they bounced back from not scoring a point in the opening two rounds of the competition.

Former South Africa U20 international outside centre Simelane can also operate at full-back and on the wing and joined John Dobson’s side in January 2024, making nine appearances, including three this season.

He has been attracting interest from the Top 14 in France, the Gallagher Premiership and Japan’s Rugby League One, with clubs now expected to step up their bid to lure him away from Dobson’s side.

Fixture
Investec Champions Cup
Racing 92
31 - 22
Full-time
Stormers
All Stats and Data

Simelane, who started his career with 32 appearances for the Lions before playing 15 times for the Bulls, is wanted by Top 14 outfit Castres, Premiership big guns Bristol Bears and Japanese outfit NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu.

Clubs like Exeter Chiefs, who want to add an outside centre to their squads in the summer, could now join the race to sign Simelane, who last year got married to the content creator and actress Bianca Coster.

Dobson admits that Simelane can be a special player and couldn’t hide his delight when they tempted him to make the move to Cape Town after Ruhan Nel suffered a long-term injury.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Wandisile is an incredibly talented player who is looking for a new start, and we are happy to give him the opportunity to grow here, where he will be competing with some top players already in our system.

“We pride ourselves on helping players get their careers on the right trajectory in our environment and we all know the huge potential he has, so hopefully we can help him realise that here,” said the Stomers boss.

Related


To be first in line for Rugby World Cup 2027 Australia tickets, register your interest here 

ADVERTISEMENT

LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

1 Comment
S
SK 23 days ago

Terribly underutilised in the South African system. Has been overlooked for players who are terribly one dimensional. Harold Vorster, Ruhan Nel and Co have their positives but are nowhere near the complete player Simelane can be. Has pace and X-factor. Cant believe both the bulls and stormers have not given him more game time

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

TRENDING
TRENDING The incredible Six Nations stat that gives Wales hope The incredible stat that gives Wales hope
Search