At the beginning of last year, Sanele Nohamba was riding high in South African rugby.
Known for his lightning-fast pace, dazzling sidesteps, and impressive goal-kicking ability, the talented playmaker made a smooth transition from scrumhalf to flyhalf with the Lions.
His performances were so compelling that many fans were clamoring for him to get a shot with the Springboks.
Rassie Erasmus himself even acknowledged that Nohamba was on their radar.
However, despite his exceptional form, Nohamba didn’t make the cut for the national team in 2024.
The competition for the scrumhalf position was intense, and at flyhalf, Nohamba was seen as not quite physical or experienced enough.
A Sudden Shift: From Starter to Benchwarmer
By the second half of the year, things took a sudden turn for Nohamba.
Once a key player for the Lions, he found himself sitting on the bench more often than not.
His game time dramatically reduced, leading to frustration.
Eventually, it was announced that Nohamba had been granted an early release from his contract with the Lions.
He would be heading overseas to continue his career in Japan.
The Real Reasons Behind His Departure
In a revealing interview with Rugby365, Nohamba explained the true reasons behind his decision to leave South Africa.
According to Nohamba, he had been seeking clarity from the Lions regarding his reduced playing time but wasn’t getting any “straight answers.”
Feeling undervalued and frustrated, he reached out to the Lions with a proposal to stay on for another year, provided they met certain conditions.
When they rejected his request, he then offered to extend his contract for two more years.
However, Nohamba’s options had already expanded beyond the Lions.
“I showed them the proposals I got from Japan and Edinburgh,” he said. “But the offer from Japan was three times more.
So it made it difficult for me to stay. I can go and make money instead of staying in the country for nothing.”
A Tough Decision and an Easy Exit
Nohamba didn’t shy away from admitting how tough it was for him to continue training in an environment where he felt overlooked. “It was disappointing to come out here every day,” he shared.
“It wasn’t even difficult to get an early release,” he added, indicating that the decision to leave was almost inevitable given the circumstances.
What’s Next for Nohamba?
Now, as he embarks on his new adventure in Japan, Nohamba’s departure raises questions about his future and his potential role in South African rugby.
Many are left wondering if he should have been given more backing to represent the Springboks last year, especially given his exceptional form during the first half of 2024.
Do you think Sanele Nohamba should have been given a chance with the Springboks? Share your thoughts with us in the comments or on WhatsApp.
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