Lima Sopoaga wanted in South Africa and France - reports

Lima Sopoaga has been linked with a switch to the Stormers according to reports in South Africa.

According to a report by Netwerk24 on Monday, The Stormers are on the lookout for a world-class flyhalf with Damian Willemse set to leave the franchise and join Jake White's Bulls. Former All Black and current Wasps playmaker Lima Sopoaga has been identified as a candidate to bolster their backline options as well as mentor the up and coming talent at the franchise. 

The Stormers have the highly-rated Kade Wolhuter on their books but there is thought that Sopoaga could come to the side to assist in his development as well as the development of other young flyhalves.

SARugbymag.co.za also confirmed that there is a recruitment exploration on the go to add depth at flyhalf with a high-calibre player and that it's believed that someone like Sopoaga is not beyond the realms of possibility.

The magazine states that if Sopoaga were to conclude a deal with WP, it’s likely that he would only arrive towards the second half of the year.

Sopoaga would provide a like for like replacement for Willemse having excelled in the fullback position for Wasps recently with Jacob Umaga taking over the #10 jersey at the club after a slow start to Sopoaga's career at the Ricoh. 

Sopoaga's CV seems to be doing the rounds with Midi Olympique reporting that he has been identified as a target for TOP14 club Lyon. The French club have been in the market for a world-class flyhalf for some time with the likes of Jonathan Sexton, Marcus Smith and Beauden Barrett linked with a move to the side since the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Lyon are also looking into the services of fellow New Zealander Ihaia West who will leave La Rochelle at the end of the current season.  

Meanwhile, the Stormers have lost the services of captain Siya Kolisi who is set to join the Sharks. The Cape Town-based side confirmed the news on Sunday morning having agreed terms to release Kolisi from the final months of his contract.

Finally, The Rugby Paper reported over the weekend that Harlequins have failed in their attempt to lure World Cup winner Bongi Mbonambi to London with the hooker linked with a move to the Bulls while Juarno Augustus is set to join Northampton Saints.