A powerful and key member of the DHL Stormers engine room has reportedly agreed to a six-month deal with Japanese club Toyota Verblitz, starting 1 January.
Lock Adre Smith’s agent, Michael Thomas, confirmed the move to Sunday newspaper Rapport.
The 27-year-old Smith, who is understood to have also attracted interest from French outfit Perpignan, will return to the Stormers in June. His current contract runs until 2027.
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“We decided it would be good for Adre’s rugby to play in a different environment and experience a new culture,” said Thomas.
“I have to compliment [Stormers director of rugby] John Dobson for giving his players such opportunities. That’s why he’s popular and why many players want to play for John.”
At Verblitz, Smith will play under former All Blacks coaches Ian Foster and Steve Hansen, as well as alongside two-time Springbok world champion and current World Player of the Year, Pieter-Steph du Toit.
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