Stormers Rugby have taken another significant step toward long-term stability and sustainability with the confirmation that director of rugby John Dobson has extended his contract by four years, committing to the Cape side until 2029.
The extension is a strong vote of confidence in Dobson’s leadership and vision, and it underlines the organisation’s intent to build success that lasts — not just on the scoreboard, but across every layer of the rugby structure.
Since taking the coaching reins, Dobson has been the architect of the Stormers’ overhaul, shaping the team into a more cohesive, aligned, resilient and all-round competitive side, with the region’s deep rugby heritage as their roots.
Dobson says the challenge ahead, as they build towards Project 2029, excites him more than ever. The Stormers recently unveiled the extension of flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and the acquisition of Springboks skipper Siya Kolisi for next season as their focus intensifies towards 2029.
“I’ve never been more energised to take on a challenge,” he said.
“Most people know that this is my dream job, which I’ll never take for granted. I am very grateful for the opportunity to do what I love by contributing to the strength of this organisation and bringing joy to our supporters.
“With the support of our owners, we have managed to build some meaningful depth, which has translated into some positive results so far this season. At the same time, we are investing in our future by recruiting the top junior talent in the country.”
That balance between short-term performance and long-term planning has become a defining feature of the Stormers’ recent progress. Central to that journey has been a renewed sense of unity behind the scenes, something Dobson was quick to acknowledge.
He added that he is working with some incredible people at the club and they are all in it together to progress even more. The Stormers are currently unbeaten in nine matches at the start of the new season and atop of the respective logs in the United Rugby Championship (URC) and Champions Cup.
They take on the Bulls in the first north-south URC derby on Saturday and will look to maintain their unbeaten start.
“The coaches and support staff I work with are world-class professionals, but also incredible people who put the club first in everything they do. The new ownership has made a huge impact, and we have never felt more aligned with everyone in the organisation than we do now. I’m really excited for what the future holds for all of us.”
“The rugby heritage and talent pool in this region is unrivalled, so this is a big responsibility and I’ll certainly do everything in my power to put our team at the top table of club rugby where they belong.”
Stormers Rugby CEO Johan le Roux said that retaining Dobson as director of rugby was crucial in realising the ambitions set out as part of Project 2029. He added that Dobson is a homegrown coach who is incredibly passionate about the team, the region and people who support the Stormers.
