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Gelant turned down lucrative Lions offer before joining Stormers - report

  • Warrick Gelant, the Stormers' new fullback acquisition, reportedly turned down a more lucrative deal from the Lions.
  • He spent six years at the Bulls and a move across the Jukskei river a few seasons ago would have been very enticing.
  • At the Stormers, Gelant will fill the void left by the departure of Dillyn Leyds.


New Stormers recruit Warrick Gelant reportedly turned down a more lucrative offer from the Lions.

After spending six years at the Bulls, Gelant recently signed a deal to join the Stormers.

However, a report on Netwerk24 indicates that the Lions had offered the Springbok fullback more money but he still opted to move to Cape Town.

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The Lions were the trend-setting team in South Africa a few years ago when they reached the Super Rugby final three years on the trot between 2016 and 2018.

However, a player and coaching exodus saw them slide down the pecking order somewhat. When this year's Super Rugby was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic, the men from Johannesburg were 13th on the standings with a solitary win from six matches.

At the Stormers, 25-year-old Gelant will in all likelihood fill the void left by fullback Dillyn Leyds, who is joining French club La Rochelle

His acquisition gives head coach John Dobson the bonus of a ready-made product to join his talented backline.

Gelant has played nine Tests since making his Springbok debut against Italy in Padova in 2017. He joined the Bulls in 2014 and quickly became a crowd favourite with his devastating attacking skills and electrifying speed.

Bulls director or rugby Jake White said he was sad to see Gelant leave but wished the 2019 Rugby World Cup winner well.

"Warrick is an amazing player, and there is no doubt that he will excel wherever he goes. It’s sad to see him go and we would have loved to keep him at Loftus, but we fully understand his decision and wish him all of the best with his rugby journey ahead," White said.

- Compiled by Sport24 staff

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