Dobson resigned to losing Gelant to French club: 'He will go with our blessing'

Stormers head coach John Dobson on Friday seemed resigned to losing star World Cup-winning fullback Warrick Gelant, who he said was in "advanced talks with a French club", believed to be Racing Metro.

Rapport reported earlier this month that Gelant missed the Springbok alignment camp to sign his contract with Racing 92, where he'll link up with former Bulls teammate Trevor Nyakane.

Gelant has been sensational since returning from a lengthy knee injury layoff and produced some outstanding performances that have contributed to the Stormers charging towards a top-four United Rugby Championship (URC) finish.

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Whether off the bench or starting, Gelant has affected the game with his sharp-as-a-Samurai-sword counter-attacking and operating the backfield with aplomb.

He's also formed a deadly trio with fellow Springbok Damian Willemse, who shifted to inside centre, and former Bulls team-mate Manie Libbok at flyhalf.

Despite expecting to lose one of the sharpest tools of his armoury, Dobson said Gelant would leave with their blessing.

"He's in advanced talks with a team in France and we won't stand in his way," said Dobson.

"We've got some good plans around that if that happens. Warrick has a lot of responsibilities off the field and, if going to France helps him solve some of those responsibilities and takes less pressure off him, given the service he's given us, he goes with our blessing.

"I don't expect Warrick to be here next season. If he is, it would be fantastic but if he isn't, we've got some plans.

"I can't confirm it but it looks very likely that he'll be in France next season."

Dobson said he sensed a desire in Gelant to finish his time in Cape Town on