Griquas play hard ball on Maart loan

Dylan Maart’s impressive start for the Stormers has sparked talk of a longer stay, but Griquas coach Piet Bergh says there has been no formal move yet to make his loan deal permanent.

Maart, who remains under contract with Griquas until December 2026, is currently on loan to the Stormers until after Saturday’s north-south derby against the Vodacom Bulls in Cape Town. Bergh confirmed that while discussions may lie ahead, nothing official has been tabled.

“The current loan agreement expires in December and we have not yet received a request from the Stormers to extend it,” Bergh told Netwek24.

MORE: Stormers move to make Maart stay

Maart wasted little time making an impact, crossing for three tries in four appearances across the URC and the Investec Champions Cup – prompting Stormers director of rugby John Dobson to publicly acknowledge their interest.

“We are in discussions with them (Griquas) to convert him,” Dobson said.

“He wants to stay and the people want him to stay. Griquas are open to it. We will do the conversion.”

Bergh, however, stressed that any decision must account for Griquas’ own competitive needs, particularly with SA Cup qualification for the Currie Cup Premier Division at stake.

“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.”

ALSO: Maart’s rise from taxi guard to champion

Bergh added that while loaning players always carries risk, blocking opportunities can be just as costly.

“At some point you must decide whether you are standing in a player’s way or whether it also benefits you,” he said.

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