MANIE TALKS
Stormers to sit down with Libbok over Japan move
LINKED WITH A MOVE TO JAPAN: Manie Libbok LINKED WITH A MOVE TO JAPAN: Manie Libbok
Image: Backpagepix
THE Stormers must still sit and talk with flyhalf Manie Libbok to work out a plan around his contract with the playmaker set for a stint in Japan next season.
The Stormers qualified for the knockouts on Saturday after klapping the Dragons 48-12 in a wet but exciting duel at Cape Town Stadium.
Although Libbok’s contract runs until 2027 with the Cape side, coach John Dobson said on Saturday he couldn’t say that Manie is “definitely staying” in the Mother City.
The flyhalf is linked with the Kintetsu Liners. There are rumours that he might make it a permanent move instead of just a sabbatical.
CANNOT CONFIRM: John Dobson CANNOT CONFIRM: John Dobson
Image: Backpagepix
Dobson says about the situation: “I don’t want to sit here and say he is definitely staying. There was a chance of him going on a sabbatical, but it’s tricky.
“We gave Adré Smith his sabbatical and it allows him to earn money that could change his life and extend with the Stormers at a rate that we can afford. Our model of ownership is a little different from the other big franchises.
“Manie has been a big part of the success of our team over the last few years, and we don’t want to say no to it. We haven’t sat with Manie and his agent to work out a plan. He is signed until 2027.”
Dobson said Libbok will come into the mix for Friday’s final round-robin clash against Cardiff to get him battle-ready for the playoffs.
He also added that the contractual issue with Springbok flank Ben-Jason Dixon should be sorted, and he is convinced that Dixon will be staying on at the Stormers.