Stormers' depth 'better than it has ever been' ahead of new URC season
by KickOff Rugby · KickOffThe Stormers are gearing up for the new United Rugby Championship season, with coach John Dobson saying that their squad depth has improved significantly.
The Cape-based franchise has made some high-profile signings, with Springboks Wilco Louw, Siya Kolisi and Cheslin Kolbe joining the franchise for the new campaign.
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Director of Rugby John Dobson said his squad is primed to take the next step towards the vision of Project 2029.
“We have a stronger squad with some key signings and our institute channeling the unmatched pipeline of talent in our region into our senior squad all the time,” Dobson said at the Stormers’ season launch earlier this week.
“We made some good strides last season, and there have been more encouraging developments since then with a competitive performance against New Zealand in the middle of our pre-season, and some hard work from both players and coaches.
“The depth at our disposal is better than it has ever been and in Ruhan Nel we have an inspirational club captain who has proven what playing for this team means.”
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Fans, however, remain a core part of the Stormers experience, and the numbers from last season make for excellent reading.
They recorded an average attendance of 26,153 per game – a 4% year-on-year increase and the highest regular-season attendance in the URC for the third time in the competition’s five-year history. Around the world, 9.6 million hours of Stormers rugby were watched, a 15% year-on-year increase that made them the most-watched team in the URC and one of only four clubs in the competition to grow their viewership.
“We know how important this team is to our fans, which is why we are committed to staying in the fight and giving everything we have every minute we are on the field, regardless of the match situation,” Dobson said.
“Our team plays for the best fans in the world, and you can be sure that they will be in it together with all of you from first to last whistle this season,” he said.