Griquas play hard ball on Maart loan

The Griquas have not yet received a formal request from the Stormers to make winger Dylan Maart’s loan deal permanent, according to Griquas coach Pieter Bergh. Maart, currently on loan to the Stormers until after Saturday’s north-south derby against the Vodacom Bulls, remains contracted to Griquas until December 2026.

Dylan Maart’s Future with the Stormers

While discussions regarding a permanent move may occur, Bergh confirmed that no official offer has been made. “The current loan agreement expires in December and we have not yet received a request from the Stormers to extend it,” Bergh told Rapport.

Maart has made a significant impact with the Stormers, scoring three tries in four appearances across the URC and the Investec Champions Cup. Stormers director of rugby John Dobson has publicly stated their interest in securing Maart’s services, saying, “We are in discussions with them [Griquas] to convert him. He wants to stay and the people want him to stay. Griquas are open to it. We will do the conversion.”

Bergh stressed that any decision regarding Maart must consider Griquas’ own competitive needs, particularly their qualification prospects for the Currie Cup Premier Division through the SA Cup. “Do we want to take the risk of not having him for the SA Cup, where we have to qualify for the Currie Cup?” he said. “If we didn’t have to qualify, it would be an easy decision.”

Bergh also acknowledged the importance of considering a player’s career progression, stating, “At some point you must decide whether you are standing in a player’s way or whether it also benefits you.”