Sport

From Bo-Kaap to following Siya Kolisi's footsteps: Lions prodigy Haashim Pead signs with Roc Nation

UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

Mike Greenaway|Published

Lions scrum-half Haashim Pead has officially joined the Roc Nation Sports family. Photo: Backpagepix

Image: Backpagepix

The stock of young Lions scrumhalf Haashim Pead continues to rise after being signed by Roc Nation Sports, the global marketing agency that represents Springboks such as Siya Kolisi, Cheslin Kolbe, Aphelele Fassi, and Jordan Hendrikse.

A product of the Bo-Kaap and a Bishops graduate, Pead has enjoyed a steady rise in South African rugby over the last couple of years.

The 20-year-old memorably ignited the global rugby conversation during the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy when he was named Junior Springbok Player of the Year, having shattered records previously held by international icons like France star Antoine Dupont.

Pead’s stats set an impressive benchmark for scrum-halves at the U20 level and earned him an immediate call-up to spend time in the senior Springbok setup.

His clinical decision-making, lightning-quick service, and tactical kicking have made him one of the most highly rated youngsters in world rugby, while he has already settled into senior rugby as a key performer for the Lions during the ongoing United Rugby Championship.

Pead’s potential has caught the eye of the national selectors, and after spending time at another Springbok alignment camp earlier this year, his Test debut cannot be far off.

Pead stated: “Joining the Roc Nation Sports International family is an exciting moment for me.

"Watching the impact they have had on the careers and lives of players I look up to made this an easy decision. I’m proud of my roots in the Bo-Kaap, and as I take the next steps in my career, I’m excited to have a world-class team behind me as I look to achieve my goals both on and off the field.”

President of Roc Nation Sports International, Michael Yormark, added: “At Roc Nation, we look for athletes who not only excel on the pitch but also possess the character to inspire the next generation.

"Haashim’s journey as a professional rugby player is a story that will resonate throughout South Africa, and we look forward to supporting him to reach his full potential.”