Wandisile Simelane attracting interest from France, England and Japan

Wandisile Simelane and his man-of-the-match display against Sale Sharks in the Investec Champions Cup on Saturday could have secured him a lucrative move abroad when his contract runs out at the end of the season.

Johannesburg-born Simelane, 26, was brilliant in the 40-0 six-try demolition of Alex Sanderson’s side in Cape Town as they bounced back from not scoring a point in the opening two rounds of the competition.

Former South Africa U20 international outside centre Simelane can also operate at full-back and on the wing and joined John Dobson’s side in January 2024, making nine appearances, including three this season.

He has been attracting interest from the Top 14 in France, the Gallagher Premiership and Japan’s Rugby League One, with clubs now expected to step up their bid to lure him away from Dobson’s side.

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Simelane, who started his career with 32 appearances for the Lions before playing 15 times for the Bulls, is wanted by Top 14 outfit Castres, Premiership big guns Bristol Bears and Japanese outfit NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu.

Clubs like Exeter Chiefs, who want to add an outside centre to their squads in the summer, could now join the race to sign Simelane, who last year got married to the content creator and actress Bianca Coster.

Dobson admits that Simelane can be a special player and couldn’t hide his delight when they tempted him to make the move to Cape Town after Ruhan Nel suffered a long-term injury.

“Wandisile is an incredibly talented player who is looking for a new start, and we are happy to give him the opportunity to grow here, where he will be competing with some top players already in our system.

“We pride ourselves on helping players get their careers on the right trajectory in our environment and we all know the huge potential he has, so hopefully we can help him realise that here,” said the Stomers boss.