Nohamba says goodbye to Lions

The worst kept secret at the Emirates Lions was finally confirmed on Monday as the team released Sanele Nohamba from his contract, allowing him to take up a role at Japanese club Shizuoka Blue Revs with almost immediate effect.

Nohamba was heading to Japan at the end of the season it seems, and according to reports out of Japan, he was due to start at the Blue Revs from 1 July - or the technical start of the new season, but the fact the Lions have released him from their squad means he can join almost immediately if both parties agree.

What is clear is that Nohamba hasn’t been happy at the Lions for a while now, and has hardly been seen in the team since being named the Vodacom United Rugby Championship player of the season last year.

The Lions Rugby Company has granted Sanele Nohamba an early release from his current contract. The scrumhalf continues his club career in Japan.

We wish Sanele all the best.#ForOurCity#LionsPride🦁 pic.twitter.com/ne7JUNQr6H

— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) February 3, 2025

His breakthrough at 10 helped the Lions win several games, but when he stopped making the starting line-up, rumours behind the scenes of unhappiness continued to filter.

The death of his father was given as an excuse by the Lions for him falling out of form, with former Springbok midfielder and Lions defence coach Jaque Fourie offering the explanation earlier this season.

“We have to pick the best team every week. Those are the standards we set,” Fourie explained at the time.

“He has been going through a very difficult time, we believe he can get through this and come out stronger in the end.

“The games that he has played, he hasn’t met our standards. We have lots of guys pushing for positions, and we want to pick the best quality team for every match. He needs to get back to the old Sanele we know is there.”

Fourie then backed Nohamba to re-find his old form.

“We all know the calibre of player Sanele Nohamba is. Since his father passed away, it’s been a difficult time for him. We can all see with the way he has been on the field that he is not currently playing like the Sanele from last season.”

The announcement will give fans pause for thought on the explanation, and Nohamba’s eagerness to leave the Lions may be the best for both parties.

“The Lions Rugby Company has granted Sanele Nohamba an early release from his current contract. The scrumhalf continues his club career in Japan. We wish Sanele all the best,” a brief statement from the Lions read.

Nohamba also released a brief statement thanking the team and his teammates.

“I would just like to thank the Lions for having given me the opportunity to play my rugby here. It’s been a memorable two years and an even bigger honour serving the franchise.

“To the fans, coaches and my fellow brothers at the Lions, a massive thank you. I wish you nothing but success for many seasons to come.”

Nohamba started just two games for the Lions this season, a far cry from his consistent selection last season that earned him the award.