‘Chance to change his life financially’: Stormers to discuss Manie Libbok’s Japan sabbatical

The Stormers have provided updates on the contracts of Springboks Ben-Jason Dixon and Manie Libbok, saying while they are “absolutely convinced” Dixon will remain at the Cape Town franchise, Libbok could indeed be departing for several months.

However, the union wishes to wait for Libbok to return to the field before engaging in negotiations with him.

The mercurial flyhalf has been out injured since January but Stormers boss John Dobson said he definitely will play against Cardiff in their United Rugby Championship match at Cape Town Stadium next week. Following that, they will sit down to talk.

Libbok interested in Japan

Dobson confirmed reports that Libbok was interested in taking a sabbatical in Japan. Doing so means he would play there from December to May before returning to the Stormers.

Fellow bok, Kurt-Lee Arendse has done that this season, shining for Sagamihara Dynaboars, causing frustration for Bulls boss Jake White, who lost the star player against his will.

Dobson said the financial prospects were the driving factor for the move, much like they were when lock Adré Smith left the Stormers for Verblitz this season. However, Dobson could only thank Libbok for the impact he has made since he joined the Cape Town union in 2021.

“There’s been talk of a sabbatical,” Dobson said. “I guess the conversation was first get him back on the field and then have a chat with him.

“I don’t want to sit here and say ‘Manie’s definitely staying’. It’s tricky, we gave Adré Smith a sabbatical and what it allows us to do in those situations, is it allows him to earn money that can change his life and also extend with the Stormers, and extend at a rate that we can probably afford.”

‘He will play next Friday’

The coach said the Stormers had a model of ownership that was different from other clubs in this regard.

“And then you’re not going to say Manie has a chance to change his life financially. He’s done such good for us, he’s been a big part of the franchise since we’ve had him the last few years. I’d never say no to that.

“I promise you we haven’t sat with Manie and his agent and said let’s work out a plan. He signed like Sacha [Feinberg-Mngomezulu] to 2027 and then of course there is a management issue between Sacha and Manie.”

Dobson said the selection dilemma regarding the two flyhalves had been avoided by injury lately but that would not always be the case.

“He [Libbok] will play next Friday and he’ll have a role to play with us in the play-offs.”

Regarding Dixon, Dobson said it was more a “technicality” in his contract that was being discussed. ” It’s a pity we had to go this far and it’s watched in public. BJ’s personality is 100% for the Stormers. I’m convinced he’ll stay.”