“He Was Virtually In Tears” — Dobson Trashes Allegations Over Roche’s Future
DHL Stormers director of rugby John Dobson has moved quickly to dismiss reports surrounding Jonny Roche, insisting that the youngster’s ambitions remain firmly focused on the Cape Town club and the Springboks.
Roche’s international allegiance has become a talking point, with speculation raising questions about whether the talented youngster could one day represent another country.
“Jonny Roche has a concussion,” Dobson explained, addressing the youngster’s absence from the Stormers’ lineup for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash against Scarlets at DHL Stadium.
He stressed that Roche’s absence was due to the injury and had nothing to do with uncertainty surrounding his international future.
Dobson also expressed frustration with reports suggesting that Roche was considering representing another country, describing the claims as completely unfounded.
“How a story gets written that says he’s considering playing for another nation, when he is virtually in tears saying he has not considered anything other than playing for the Stormers and South Africa,” Dobson said. “I am pleased that was refuted by his agent the other day.”
Dobson insisted that there had never been any doubt about where Roche’s ambitions lay.
Asked about the youngster’s eligibility to represent Zimbabwe and Ireland, the Stormers director of rugby confirmed that an extension to Roche’s contract had already been agreed upon and that the player remained committed to the Cape Town club.
“His extension is already agreed. Jonny has no interest in it. There was no point from his end where he was considering it. He is committed to the Stormers and wants to wear the Green and Gold like all the youngsters here,” Dobson said.
Roche’s family and personal connections to Zimbabwe add another dimension to his story. While those ties remain important to him, Dobson made it clear that they should not be interpreted as an indication that the youngster intends to pursue an international career elsewhere.
“He has very close ties with Zimbabwe, and while he would like to help them, that’s not going to happen either,” Dobson explained.
Roche’s progress has also attracted attention at the highest level of South African rugby. The youngster has attended a Springbok alignment camp, highlighting his inclusion in the broader development pathway monitored by SA Rugby.
“The fact that he has already been to a Springbok alignment camp is magic from SA Rugby and shows that he is already on the radar. This is where he wants to be,” Dobson said.
Amid the speculation, Dobson’s message was clear: Roche remains committed to the Stormers, has agreed to a contract extension and harbours ambitions of representing the Springboks.
As the young talent continues to develop, wearing the green and gold remains the dream he is working towards.
