Rising rugby star Haashim Pead has become the latest South African talent to join Roc Nation Sports International (RNSI), the global agency that represents Springboks such as Siya Kolisi, Cheslin Kolbe, Aphelele Fassi, and Jordan Hendrikse.
HIS METEORIC RISE
A product of the Bo-Kaap and a Bishops graduate, Pead has enjoyed a meteoric rise in South African rugby over the last couple of years.
The 20-year-old memorably ignited the global rugby conversation during the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy when he was named Junior Springbok Player of the Year, having shattered records previously held by international icons like France star Antoine Dupont.
Pead’s stats set a new benchmark for scrumhalves at the U20 level and earned him an immediate call-up to spend time in the senior Springbok setup.
His clinical decision-making, lightning-quick service, and tactical kicking have made him one of the most highly-rated rising stars in world rugby, while he has already settled into senior rugby as a key performer for the Lions during the ongoing United Rugby Championship.
Pead’s potential has clearly caught the eye of the national selectors, and after spending time at another Springbok alignment camp earlier this year, many believe he could make his Test debut in the near future.
REACTIONS AFTER PEAD’S BIG CAREER MOVE
“Haashim is a generational talent whose work ethic and technical ceiling are truly exceptional,” said Tamsanqa Ncwana, RNSI’s Head of Rugby Recruiting in South Africa.
As Pead follows in the footsteps of several other Springboks by joining Roc Nation Sports International, there is ever-increasing excitement about what the next phase of his career will hold.
Speaking about the announcement, Pead stated: “Joining the Roc Nation Sports International family is an exciting moment for me. Watching the impact they have had on the careers and lives of players I look up to, made this an easy decision.
“I’m proud of my roots in the Bo-Kaap, and as I take the next steps in my career, I’m excited to have a world-class team behind me as I look to achieve my goals both on and off the field.”
President of Roc Nation Sports International, Michael Yormark, concluded by saying: “At Roc Nation Sports International, we look for athletes who not only excel on the pitch but also possess the character to inspire the next generation. Haashim’s journey as a professional rugby player is a story that will resonate throughout South Africa and we look forward to supporting him to reach his full potential.”
