The Stormers have officially confirmed a mass player exodus — with nine stars heading for the exit, and none bigger than URC maestro and Springbok World Cup-winner Manie Libbok.
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According to Rugby365, Libbok is heavily linked with a move to Japan’s Hanazono Liners, the Osaka-based side currently pushing for promotion from Division Two of Japan Rugby League One.
The Liners are on the hunt for a new playmaker following Quade Cooper’s departure — the Wallaby icon is moving on at season’s end and eyeing a wild-code switch to flag football for Australia at the 2028 LA Olympics.
If Libbok does make the leap, he won’t be alone. The Liners still boast Cooper’s former Test halfback partner Will Genia, who remains a key figure in the squad.
While no deal has been officially inked between the Stormers and the Liners, early signs suggest the Cape Town outfit won’t stand in Libbok’s way.
A Japanese sabbatical is becoming a well-trodden path for South African stars, with the likes of Kurt-Lee Arendse and Adré Smith also heading east in recent seasons.
Clubs often view these moves as a financial win-win — rewarding players without burning bridges for future returns.
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10 Lions Changes Andy Farrell Must Make against Western Force
1. Dan Sheehan in for Luke Cowan-Dickie
Cowan-Dickie brought energy but faltered at the lineout. Sheehan’s throwing is sharper, and he adds mobility and form from Leinster.
Cowan-Dickie brought energy but faltered at the lineout. Sheehan’s throwing is sharper, and he adds mobility and form from Leinster.
2. Will Stuart in for Finlay Bealham
Bealham was solid, but Stuart offers more raw power and set-piece dominance — key against the Force pack.
Bealham was solid, but Stuart offers more raw power and set-piece dominance — key against the Force pack.
3. Ollie Chessum in for Tadhg Beirne
Beirne impressed with his running lines, but Chessum brings more physicality and aerial prowess — crucial for disrupting the Force’s lineout.
Beirne impressed with his running lines, but Chessum brings more physicality and aerial prowess — crucial for disrupting the Force’s lineout.
4. Josh van der Flier in for Tom Curry
Despite Curry's work-rate, Van der Flier’s breakdown work and consistency make him a better fit as Farrell looks to steady the back row.
Despite Curry's work-rate, Van der Flier’s breakdown work and consistency make him a better fit as Farrell looks to steady the back row.
5. Jack Conan in for Ben Earl
Earl was one of the better performers, but Conan’s control at No.8 and ability to carry in tight channels earns him the nod.
Earl was one of the better performers, but Conan’s control at No.8 and ability to carry in tight channels earns him the nod.
6. Jamison Gibson-Park in for Alex Mitchell
Mitchell looked rushed and ineffective after halftime. Gibson-Park’s speed and composure offer a much-needed upgrade at scrum-half.
Mitchell looked rushed and ineffective after halftime. Gibson-Park’s speed and composure offer a much-needed upgrade at scrum-half.
7. Finn Russell in for Fin Smith
Fin Smith struggled to impose himself. Enter Russell — the magician Farrell needs to inject some vision, control, and attacking flair.
Fin Smith struggled to impose himself. Enter Russell — the magician Farrell needs to inject some vision, control, and attacking flair.
8. Huw Jones in for Bundee Aki
Aki’s power was evident but faded. Jones brings better distribution and defensive organisation at outside centre, linking nicely with Tuipulotu.
Aki’s power was evident but faded. Jones brings better distribution and defensive organisation at outside centre, linking nicely with Tuipulotu.
9. James Lowe in for Duhan van der Merwe
Van der Merwe had a patchy outing, and Lowe’s left boot and creativity could unlock the Force’s defence from deep.
Van der Merwe had a patchy outing, and Lowe’s left boot and creativity could unlock the Force’s defence from deep.
10. Hugo Keenan in for Marcus Smith
Smith’s shaky positioning and lack of control under the high ball cost the Lions. Keenan is calm, composed and positionally solid — exactly what the back three needs.
Smith’s shaky positioning and lack of control under the high ball cost the Lions. Keenan is calm, composed and positionally solid — exactly what the back three needs.
Farrell's Updated XV to Face Western Force
15. Hugo Keenan
14. James Lowe
13. Huw Jones
12. Sione Tuipulotu
11. Tommy Freeman
10. Finn Russell
9. Jamison Gibson-Park
8. Jack Conan
7. Jac Morgan
6. Josh van der Flier
5. Ollie Chessum
4. Maro Itoje
3. Will Stuart
2. Dan Sheehan
1. Ellis Genge
14. James Lowe
13. Huw Jones
12. Sione Tuipulotu
11. Tommy Freeman
10. Finn Russell
9. Jamison Gibson-Park
8. Jack Conan
7. Jac Morgan
6. Josh van der Flier
5. Ollie Chessum
4. Maro Itoje
3. Will Stuart
2. Dan Sheehan
1. Ellis Genge
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Can You Name These 10 Legendary British & Irish Lions?
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