Lions playmaker Sanele Nohamba heads to Japan

The 26-year-old was named the United Rugby Championship Player of the Season for 2023/24 but has been used sparingly this campaign.

In fact, he has featured in just nine of their 12 games this season, starting on just two occasions.

This after he started 19 of his 20 appearances for the club last term, missing just three of their 23 matches.

His stellar form for the Lions last season was not enough to convince the Springboks coaching staff that he deserved a shot in the squad with Rassie Erasmus and his team preferring his clubmate Morne van den Berg who would earn two Tests in 2024.

Now, the Lions have confirmed that Nohamba has been granted an early release from his contract to link up with a club in Japan.

It has been widely reported that the half-back would depart the Johannesburg outfit with the Stormers interested in his services.

Nohamba reportedly informed the Lions that we would not remain at Ellis Park and had signed a contract with Japanese club Shizuoka Blue Revs who are captained by Springbok forward Kwagga Smith.

The Lions confirmed the news of his departure on Monday with a brief statement posted on their social media channels.

"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," the caption read.

An image accompanied the post with the following quotes from the player: "I would just like to thank the Lions for have given me the opportunity to play my rugby here.

"It's been a memorable two years and an even bigger honour serving the franchise.

"To the fans, coaches and my fellow brothers at the Lions - a massive thank you. I wish you nothing but success for many seasons to come."