Director of rugby John Dobson is confident that the Stormers’ respect for the Investec Champions Cup will help educate locals about the prestigious tournament.
The Capetonians open their 2026-27 campaign against the Bristol Bears at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, with Dobson having already named his match 23.
There has been constant criticism from Europe around South African clubs’ participation in EPCR competition since the country’s debut four years ago.
The Stormers have reached the knockouts in three of four Champions Cup campaigns, and are looking to go beyond the quarter-finals for the first time this season.
ALSO: Dobbo relieved for Roos return amid ‘crisis’
Dobson argued the Stormers’ calendar would be poorer without these fixtures, and the team’s success might silence the negative narrative.
“We need a South African team to make a semi-final or a final this season. From our side, we want to respect it, and the way to do that is to do well in it,” he said.
“I think our inventory for the public here in Cape Town would look poorer without this and without our participation.
“It’s a prestigious competition. We want to test ourselves against the best teams in the world. We want to be at the top table of world rugby, so we’re desperate to stay part of it.
TEAM: New-look Stormers pack to tackle Bears
“It’s a year behind the URC with the South African public,” Dobson added. “People now know who the Ospreys are, but we’ve never played Bristol before. We’ve never played Bordeaux before. There’s a constant education piece around this tournament.”
With Bristol visiting Cape Town for the first time, the head coach believes announcing his side early will help promote the fixture and give belief to the players.
PLUS: Gaza-LRZ duel headlines round one
“It was such a special occasion last week [with the new black kit], and we want to market these events,” Dobson said. “I’ve found with team announcements now, they get out quickly anyway.
“It’s going to create some interest in the game and also give some confidence to our group.
“Hopefully, if you see some of your local heroes, whether that’s Deon Fourie, Ruhan Nel or Siya Kolisi, they’re in the team you can plan your Saturday around it. It’s more considerate to the public as well.”
Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images
