'Can't wait to get started': Stade name replacement for Laumape

Stade Francais have named their replacement for the Japanese-bound Ngani Laumape, confirming the signing of midfielder Jeremy Ward on a two-year deal from the URC Sharks. It was August 1 when the Parisians announced that they were releasing ex-All Blacks centre Laumape for family reasons following the completion of just a single season of his three-season deal.

With Fijian Waisea Nayacalevu also exiting Stade and joining French rivals Toulon, Stade were very much in the market for a replacement centre ahead of their September 3 start to the new Top 14 season at home to Clermont.

There was speculation that Francis Saili, another ex-All Blacks player, was on their radar but that link was complicated by his current contract at Biarritz. The relegated top-flight club would have wanted a contract buy-out payment.

In the end, Gonzalo Quesada turned his attentions elsewhere and a Stade Francais statement welcomed the South African Ward to the club this week. “It's official, Jeremy Ward is a Parisian,” it read. “The South African three-quarter centre signs in Paris for two seasons and will join us in the coming days. Welcome, Jeremy!”

Ward replied on Twitter to the announcement, “Can’t wait to get started!” The 26-year-old made his Super Rugby breakthrough in 2016 at the Southern Kings but has since gone on to become a mainstay of the Sharks backline, making eleven URC appearances in the 2021/22 season while also playing in seven Currie Cup matches in recent months.

The confirmation that Ward is now a Stade Francais player followed the announcement by the Kobe Steelers that they have signed Laumape on a three-year deal. Laumape told the Japanese club's website: “I'm excited to start a new career with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers. I myself am a fan of Japanese rugby, which continues to grow, and believe that my style fits well with Japanese rugby and the Kobe Steelers.

“The challenge will continue until the end of the season. I will do my part to bring good results to Kobe Steelers and Steelers fans. I can’t wait to have new experiences in Japan with my family and to share the pitch with my new teammates.”