Haashim Pead’s former schoolboy coach has explained why the scrumhalf keeps improving even when not playing regularly.
The 20-year-old scrumhalf is one of South Africa’s brightest young talents, yet his opportunities have come in a crowded environment. At the Lions alone, Pead is competing with Springbok Morne van den Berg and Nico Steyn, giving head coach Ivan van Rooyen an abundance of options at No 9.
The logjam extends beyond the Lions, with a long Springbok scrumhalf queue.
Pead’s former 1st XV coach at Bishops, Wesley Chetty, acknowledges the challenge but has no doubt about Pead’s long-term prospects.
“The difficult thing is that there are a lot of players like Cobus Reinach, Faf de Klerk, Morné van den Berg and Imad Khan in the queue,” Chetty told Netwerk24.
“However, when Haashim got his chance in the URC, he grabbed it with both hands [scoring a match-winning try off the bench against the Sharks last weekend]. Where some players’ game might decline a bit when they don’t play lot of rugby, that’s not the case with Haashim. He keeps working hard and when he gets the chance, he’s ready.”
Haashim Pead
Off the bench to win it for the Lions
#SSRugby | #VURC pic.twitter.com/rTenwDzi3i
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) January 3, 2026
Chetty, currently coach of the Western Province U19 team, believes his former pupil’s willingness to learn sets him apart.
“A lot of talented youngsters struggle to take advice. Haashim listens, asks questions and leads through his actions. That’s why he keeps improving, even when he’s not playing every week.”
ALSO: New-look Lions to face unpredictable Lyon
Pead starred at last year’s U20 World Rugby Championship in Italy, where the Junior Boks lifted the trophy and he was named Player of the Tournament. He was later invited to train with the Springboks in Joburg.
Photo: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images
The post ‘Haashim’s always ready to take his chance’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.