Manie Libbok has officially signed off from the Stormers as he sends an emotional message to fans and coach

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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - MAY 16: Manie Libbok during the United Rugby Championship match between DHL Stormers and Cardiff Rugby at DHL Stadium on May 16, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images)

Manie Libbok has officially signed off from the Stormers in an emotional message on social media on Friday

The28-year-old playmaker joins the Hanazono Kintetsu Liners for the new Japan Rugby League One season after playing a defining role in the Stormers’ resurgence in recent seasons.

Libbok was pivotal to the Stormers’ inaugural Vodacom URC title win in the 2021-22 season.Libbok was also part of the Springbok squad that retained the Rugby Championship title this year.

In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Libbok expressed deep gratitude to the Stormers family and their supporters –affectionately known as The Faithful.

Thank you Stormers family, and of course, to the incredible Faithful,” he wrote. “I want to take this moment to express my deepest gratitude to everyone at the @dhlstormers. From the coaches, management, medical team, and all the hardworking staff at the HPC. Thank you for the trust you placed in me and for believing. That belief inspired me to be the best version of myself.

To my teammates, thank you for the memories, the battles we fought together, and the brotherhood we built.

“To the Faithful – your continuous support, through highs and lows, has meant more than words can describe. Running out in front of you was always an honour.

“Stormers Family, I salute you. Wishing you all the best for the rest of the season.”

Libbok leaves as one of the Stormers’ most popular and consistent performers, his attacking flair and accurate boot helping define the team’s expansive brand under John Dobson.

Dobson is philosophical about the outcome.

“It wasn’t great, but I don’t think any club in the world could have handled it differently, even if you had kept Manie,” he said. “Is Sacha going to be happy at 12 or 15? No. Is he going to be happy on the bench? No. We can rotate them as much as we want, but when you get to a crunch playoff game, you’re going to have to choose one of them and the other is going to know he is No 2, which impacts his international chances and his earning ability overseas.

“I would have loved to have both of them, but the good news is that we have both of them with the Springboks, and I don’t see a time where they both aren’t Springboks.”