Herschel Jantjies believes Stormers' grass is still greener: 'Staying here is a nicer challenge'

He has absolutely no issue if others believe the old adage, but for Herschel Jantjies the grass isn't always greener on the other side.

The 25-year-old Springbok scrumhalf provided the Stormers with a huge boost last week following his decision to renew his contract for another two years, a ringing endorsement for the direction the much-maligned franchise is heading in ... at least on the field.

"The biggest consideration for me is the position I find myself in at this stage of my career. Going for money and a new experience overseas might make it seem as if the grass is greener but it's not always," Jantjies said on Monday as the Stormers prepare for Sunday's United Rugby Championship meeting with Zebre in Stellenbosch.

"I believe staying here is actually the nicer challenge. I firmly believe I can stay here and also achieve success. It's been a long journey for us to get where we're playing now. This is something we've been building towards and it's not something I want to leave now."

The Stormers have had their fair share of departures over the past 24 months, notably the Springbok trio of Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Bongi Mbonambi, while a chief architect of the current up-turn - Warrick Gelant - is primed for a move to France.

But the retention of Jantjies, in-demand second rower Salmaan Moerat and ace play-maker Damian Willemse suggests there might be scope for a long-term moulding by head coach John Dobson.

Jantjies also makes no secret of the fact that family considerations played a huge role in his decision to stay.

"It's all up to a player in the end whether he stays or not. There's still a lot I can learn here. It's a mindset thing," he said.

"Some say the earlier you go overseas the better, but the rugby