Lions secure 'next Dupont': Junior Bok star Haashim Pead signs long-term deal

Junior Springbok Haashim Pead will remain at the Lions for the foreseeable future, the Johannesburg-based union revealed on Wednesday.

The 20-year-old scrum-half is widely regarded as the next big Springbok star, with comparisons likening him to France’s Antoine Dupont. Pead, known for his pace, accurate passing, and tactical kicking, had a storming World Rugby U20 Championship campaign with the championship-winning Baby Boks last year, topping off a brilliant team effort by being named the Player of the Tournament.

There have been ravenous calls from the rugby-loving public in recent weeks for the Lions to use his talents more often, at the expense of incumbent No 9, Springbok Morne van den Berg, and his deputy Nico Steyn.

Coach Ivan van Rooyen has, however, opted for a more tentative approach in managing his young superstar. Pead made his debut for the Lions in the Currie Cup last year against the Bulls in late August but has had a more measured introduction for the union at franchise level.

He has thus far played in only a handful of United Rugby Championship and EPCR Challenge Cup clashes for the Joburgers this year. In the recent 24-24 draw against the Ospreys, he played nine minutes as a replacement for Van den Berg.

He enjoyed a start and more game time against Perpignan a week earlier, helping the Lions secure a bittersweet 20-20 draw against the Top 14 side. Against Lyon, he also played a limited role — 19 minutes in a 42-33 win.

His big-match temperament, however, was on display in early January when he scored the winning try against the Sharks in the Lions’ narrow 23-22 victory, having been on the field for only 14 minutes.

Nevertheless, it would seem that the Lions Rugby Company know they have a potential future Bok within their ranks, locking Pead into a contract until 2028.