Hacjivah Dayimani eager to explore hybrid role with the Stormers

By SABC Sport
2nd April 2026

Stormers star Hacjivah Dayimani revealed that he worked on developing skills on the wing during his time with Racing 92 in France.

The eye-catching talent has returned to the Stormers after a season with French giants Racing 92, where he gained invaluable experience.

There's no doubt that the loose forward is highly mobile and has incredible ball skills. This is something coaches at Racing cottoned onto. Dayimani revealed that skills coach Joe Rokocoko and backline coach Freddie Michalak worked closely with him to develop the skills required as an outside back.

This came off the back of being used as a utility player at his first professional club, the Lions.

"When I was in South Africa from the Swys de Bruin days [at the Lions], they've always moved me to centre or wing," recollected Dayimani.

"I came on in Super Rugby at wing. In the Currie Cup, I've played centre, and I played wing in the URC when we had a red or yellow card.

"When I went to France, Joe Rokocoko and Freddie Michalak were like, 'If we don't put you on the wing, it's just a waste. We have to try it out'.

"I went three or four months training strictly at wing and working on my positioning, kicking and working on how to understand the game. I worked with Joe and coming back now, it has opened up my arsenal.

"If I'm needed on the wing, I'm obviously not uncomfortable, and I can definitely do it. At this point, I am willing to play wing, centre or flank depending on where the coach puts me."

With nine seasons under his belt, the Cape Town native has seemingly been around forever, but is only 28-years-old. As such, he still has aspirations to don the green and gold of the Springboks but he's remaining grounded.

"Coming back, it's gone to a point where I am a realist," continued the former SA Schools star.

"It's not about being more relaxed; it's about knowing what my job is, and I know what I can do. I know what I am capable of.

"There's only so much that I can improve and add to the team. If it happens [being called up one day], it happens. If it doesn't happen, I just want to make the people proud from where I come from."