Nohamba: Lyon sign former Lions scrum-half on two-year Top 14 deal

French Top 14 club Lyon have secured the signing of former Lions scrum-half Sanele Nohamba on a two-year contract, adding the 2023-24 United Rugby Championship Player of the Year to their squad.

The 27-year-old South African, who is equally comfortable at fly-half, arrives from Japanese side Shizuoka Blue Revs and will be available to Lyon for the next two seasons.

Lyon confirmed the move in a statement on social media, announcing: “LOU Rugby is happy to announce the arrival of scrum-half @sanele_nohamba9 from the Shizuoka Blue Revs (Japan) for the next two seasons!”

The club underlined that Nohamba’s versatility and pedigree were central to their decision to bring him to the Top 14.

“The 27-year-old South African, who previously played for Lions Rugby and was named URC Player of the Year in 2024, will help the club add depth to the squad and strengthen the Red and Black with his skills and experience for the two competitions,” the statement added.

URC award winner heads to France

Nohamba’s move follows a standout 2023-24 campaign in the United Rugby Championship, where his performances for Lions Rugby earned him the competition’s Player of the Year award.

Capable of influencing matches both at scrum-half and fly-half, his form in South Africa persuaded Shizuoka Blue Revs to take him to Japan before Lyon stepped in to bring him to France.

While Lyon have not disclosed financial details of the transfer, the deal ties Nohamba to the club for two seasons as they look to bolster their options in the key playmaking positions.

Experience across two hemispheres

Nohamba’s career has already taken him from South African domestic rugby to the Japanese league, and now to one of Europe’s toughest club competitions.

At Lyon, he will be expected to contribute immediately as the club balances its Top 14 campaign with commitments in a second competition, with the French side emphasising his ability to add depth across the squad.

By recruiting a recent URC Player of the Year with experience in different styles of rugby, Lyon hope Nohamba’s skills and game management will enhance their prospects over the next two seasons.