South African rugby side DHL Stormers has been basking in celebrations with its fans having claimed the inaugural United Rugby Championship (URC) but its success on the pitch has already triggered a reactionary move against it.
French Top 14 club Racing 92 on Monday announced the signing of Springbok fullback Warrick Gelant from the Stormers following an impressive URC campaign.
The Cape Town-based franchise confirmed Gelantβs departure posting a farewell message on its Twitter account thanking him for his services.
βIt has been thrilling to watch Warrick Gelant do his thing in a DHL Stormers jersey for the last two years. He really is one of a kind. All the best with what lies ahead Boogie and thanks for the incredible memories.β
The 27-year-old will link up with fellow Springbok Trevor Nyakane at the club while he will also face a host of compatriots like Handre Pollard and Cheslin Kolbe, who play for Top 14 champions Montpellier and Toulon, respectively.
Gelant, who played at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, is one of six new signings by the Parisian club as it seeks to reinforce its squad following a sixth place finish in the Top 14 and a semifinal exit in the Heineken Champions Cup to eventual winners La Rochelle.
(Story compiled with assistance from wire reports)