Hacjivah Dayimani may still be young but his experience spans continents. We find out about his move back home and what this rugby pro is all about
When Hacjivah Dayimani walks into a room, people notice him. Sometimes it’s because of his rugby. Sometimes it’s because of what he’s wearing. And sometimes it’s because of his latest bold hairstyle. He’s perfectly aware of that.
The day before our shoot, an Instagram story showed a new look: bleached blonde with red flames along the bottom. That is when we realised we were creating a cover and story for one hell of a fashionista who has merged sport with serious style.
“For me, it’s all about pushing my creative boundaries and expressing different sides of my personality,” he says.
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For many professional athletes, standing out both on and off the field of play can feel risky. Rugby celebrates conformity: one team, same kit, same mentality. But Hacjivah belongs to a generation of players who understand that identity doesn’t stop when the final whistle blows.
The 28-year-old is a sportsman, an entrepreneur, a creative thinker and someone who refuses to separate athletic performance from personal expression. As he returns to the DHL Stormers after two seasons in Paris, he’s beginning another chapter – one that feels less like a homecoming and more like a full-circle moment.
In our exclusive cover feature, he reflects on the family values that keep him grounded, the moment Bryan Habana inspired him to pursue rugby seriously, and why returning home felt like the right move at this stage of his career. He also opens up about his love for fashion, creative expression and the growing success of his footwear brand, Hibacci, proving that today’s athletes are redefining what success can look like.
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Words: Yashna Balwanth
Photographer: Zhann Solomons
Styling: Mia-Tess Smith
