Dobson feels for departing Ewers, Simelane

Director of rugby John Dobson addresses the uncertain future of Stormers centre Wandisile Simelane, while praising the unsung work of loose forward Dave Ewers.

Simelane, whose contract expires at the end of this season, starts alongside Dan du Plessis in the midfield on Friday night against Cardiff at Cape Town Stadium in round 18 of the Vodacom URC.

The 27-year-old joined the Capetonians in January 2024, but competition for the Stormers No 13 jersey is fierce, and the former Vodacom Bulls and Lions utility back has previously been linked with several sides in France, England and Japan.

“I think that’s one that’s a little bit uncertain. And it’s a pity because he’s done really well,” Dobson told reporters on Thursday. “It was a sort of clear-cut and dry thing a while ago, and now I suppose it’s a little bit of a grey area. But I suspect he’s going to go overseas.

“It’s tough for a guy like Wandi – Wandi needs to play [but] if Suleiman Hartzenberg wants to play centre, and there’s still Ruhan Nel and every now and again Dan, I don’t want to keep a guy here just to not be No 1 because that makes him sad.”

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Dobson confirms that Ewers, who starts in the back row alongside Marcel Theunissen and Louw Nel on Friday, will be returning to Europe after his short-term contract ends.

Able to play blindside flanker and No 8, the 34-year-old Zimbabwean earned over 200 caps for English club Exeter Chiefs before linking up with the Stormers ahead of the 2024-25 campaign via Ulster.

Dobson added: “Dave’s family is in Scotland. He’s a real professional, and a great human being. You know what I liked about him? He actually messaged me before the Dragons game and said: ‘Those three youngsters are going so well, please don’t choose me, I’d rather help with training.’

“But he can’t be here away from his family not playing so Dave’s going back. People might not think they’ve seen much of him here but he’s meant a lot to the group. And he’ll be good tomorrow in those conditions.”

Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images