Dobbo: Champions Cup ‘massive’ for Stormers

John Dobson says the Stormers would be “much poorer for it” if they no longer participated in the Investec Champions Cup.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Vodacom URC quarter-final against Cardiff at Cape Town Stadium, the director of rugby said: “We love being part of the Champions Cup. We absolutely love it.”

Recent reports have suggested South African teams could exit the competition amid concerns over player workload, although SA Rugby moved quickly to label it mere speculation.

“I think we were probably an amoeba’s fingernail away from being in the quarter-final this year, which showed some progress,” Dobson said, referring to the nail-biting 28-27 loss away to Toulon.

“Fixtures like Leinster, La Rochelle, Harlequins, Toulouse or Toulon at home are massive inventory for the Stormers and for the people of Cape Town,” he added. “To have that taken away would be hellishly disappointing.”

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Stormers prop Neethling Fouché echoed those sentiments, saying South African interest in the competition was growing.

“It’s crazy when you read those rumours,” said Fouché. “For us as players, we understand the magnitude of the Champions Cup and the prestige that comes with it.

“You just have to watch Bordeaux versus Leinster [in the final] in Bilbao, and see the fans and the hype around that game. Those are the big games you want to play in.

“I think it might take a little bit of time, but South African fans will start recognising the level of the competition more and more.”

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South African teams entered the Champions Cup a year after joining the URC and Dobson said this perhaps explained the “lag” between the two competitions.

However, he said competing in both had improved South African rugby.

“I think South African teams playing in the URC and Champions Cup is great for the Springboks and World Cup preparation because it’s such tough rugby,” he said.

“Playing Toulon away is hard set-piece rugby and tough physical rugby. It’s different to Super Rugby.

“I think for South African rugby, and certainly from a Stormers point of view, we absolutely love being part of it.”

Fouché added: “It’s about playing the big teams. It’s massive for us as the Stormers and hopefully it lasts a long time.”

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Photo: Federico Pestellini/INPHO