Griquas Refuse to Budge on Maart Loan Negotiations

Key Takeaways

• There has been no formal move to make Dylan Maart’s loan deal with the Stormers permanent.
• Maart is currently on loan to the Stormers until after Saturday’s north-south derby against the Vodacom Bulls in Cape Town.
• Griquas coach Pieter Bergh says discussions may lie ahead, but nothing official has been tabled.
• The Stormers have expressed interest in keeping Maart, with director of rugby John Dobson publicly acknowledging their desire to convert the loan deal into a permanent one.
• Griquas must consider their own competitive needs, particularly with SA Cup qualification for the Currie Cup Premier Division at stake.

Introduction to the Situation
The situation surrounding Dylan Maart’s loan deal with the Stormers has been a topic of discussion in recent weeks. Maart, who is currently on loan to the Stormers until after Saturday’s north-south derby against the Vodacom Bulls in Cape Town, has made a significant impact on the team, crossing for three tries in four appearances across the URC and the Investec Champions Cup. Despite his impressive performance, there has been no formal move to make his loan deal permanent, according to Griquas coach Pieter Bergh.

Griquas’ Perspective
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 Rapport. This statement suggests that Griquas are open to discussing the possibility of extending Maart’s loan deal or even making it permanent, but they have not yet received any formal request from the Stormers. Bergh also stressed that any decision must account for Griquas’ own competitive needs, particularly with SA Cup qualification for the Currie Cup Premier Division at stake.

The Stormers’ Interest
The Stormers, on the other hand, have expressed interest in keeping Maart. Director of rugby John Dobson has publicly acknowledged their desire to convert the loan deal into a permanent one. "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." This statement suggests that the Stormers are keen to keep Maart, and they are willing to work with Griquas to make it happen.

Griquas’ Competitive Needs
However, Bergh is cautious about making any decisions that may compromise Griquas’ competitive needs. "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." This statement highlights the importance of considering the potential risks and consequences of any decision made regarding Maart’s loan deal. Griquas must weigh the benefits of keeping Maart against the potential costs of losing him, particularly if it means compromising their chances of qualifying for the Currie Cup Premier Division.

The Risk of Loaning Players
Bergh also noted that loaning players always carries risk, but 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. This statement suggests that Griquas must consider not only their own needs but also the needs and aspirations of their players. By loaning Maart to the Stormers, Griquas may be giving him the opportunity to develop and grow as a player, but they must also consider the potential risks and consequences of losing him.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the situation surrounding Dylan Maart’s loan deal with the Stormers is complex and multifaceted. While the Stormers have expressed interest in keeping Maart, Griquas must consider their own competitive needs and weigh the potential risks and consequences of any decision made. Ultimately, the decision to extend or make Maart’s loan deal permanent will depend on a careful consideration of all the factors involved. As Bergh noted, "at some point you must decide whether you are standing in a player’s way or whether it also benefits you."