[Sport] Stormers fighting to keep Pieter-Steph as massive money awaits

[FearLess]

The sudden interest from overseas clubs in SA players stems from a 21-day window that was agreed upon by the SA Rugby Industry, MyPlayers and the South African Rugby Employers' Organisation (SAREO) in which all professional players have three weeks - until 14 May - to get out of their current contracts with their respective unions and sign on the dotted line with those big-spending UK, France and Japanese clubs in particular.

Failing to do so would mean remaining in South Africa and accepting pay cuts to their current contracts in light of the coronavirus pandemic which has seen not only rugby, but all sport, grind to a halt.

The window comes at a time that the Rand is particularly weak, making a move abroad an easier decision for many.

It all  forms part of SA Rugby's attempt at cutting costs across the board in an effort to save up to R1 billion by the end of the year as the economic impact of the coronavirus becomes more severe with each passing week.

READ | The fear is real as SA edges closer to rugby wilderness

Sport24 was informed that there was particular interest - predictably - in Stormers and Springbok 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit from a host of suitors.

Du Toit, 27, was heavily linked with a move to Harlequins late last year, but on Sunday reports emerged that French Top 14 giants Montpellier may be preparing to make the star forward the highest paid player in the game.

According to the Rapport newspaper, the French club have offered Du Toit a three-year deal worth a staggering €100 000 (R2 087 000) per month. That equates to €3.6 million or R75.1 million at the current €1/R20.87 exchange rate.

However, Stormers coach John Dobson had a telephonic conversation with Du Toit and his family on Saturday night and confirmed to Sport24 that no formal offer has been received yet. 

While the Stormers would not need to be informed of the offer given the specifics of the clause - there is ultimately nothing the franchise could do to stop it - Dobson says there's an agreement with the player and his agent, Gerrie Swart, that any offer will be brought to the attention of the franchise. 

"I'm not saying it won't come, but as of right now there has been no offer that we are aware of," Dobson said.