Scrumhalf Sanele Nohamba has been released by the Lions with immediate effect and is on his way to an undisclosed Japanese destination.
The development completes an unfortunate season for Nohamba after he was crowned United Rugby Championship Player of the Season in 2024 and participated in a Springbok alignment camp.
However, he has not been the same exciting player that he was, and after being able to just about choose whether he wanted to start at 9 or 10, he was relegated to the bench.
The Lions Rugby Company has granted Sanele Nohamba an early release from his current contract. The scrumhalf continues his club career in Japan.
We wish Sanele all the best.#ForOurCity#LionsPride🦁 pic.twitter.com/ne7JUNQr6H
Nohamba has had some off-field issues — notably the passing of his father — that have impacted his rugby. His recent participation in Lions games has been limited to a combined 50 minutes against the Stormers in December and Montpellier in January.
Nohamba began his career at the Sharks after being schooled at Durban High School. His three seasons at The Tank saw him mostly used as a back-up player and it was no surprise when he joined the Lions midway through 2022.
He immediately enjoyed a new lease on life and in his prime at Ellis Park he thrilled spectators with his magical ability to make things happen.
The 26-year-old had a penchant for scoring wonderful solo tries and is also an accurate goal-kicker. Nohamba’s Lions teammates scored many a try thanks to his ability to spot space and make brilliant use of the chip and chase.
Given his slump in form, a change in scenery can only be a good thing for the mercurial Nohamba.