“It’s Crazy” — Stormers Left Fuming Over Misguided Northern Hemisphere Champions Cup Rumours
Amid growing speculation surrounding the future participation of South African teams in the Investec Champions Cup, Stormers director of rugby John Dobson and prop Neethling Fouche have both made it clear that the competition remains hugely important to the franchise on and off the field.
Rumours intensified after SA Rugby president Mark Alexander highlighted the growing importance of player welfare amid an increasingly congested rugby calendar, suggesting that certain competitions may need to be deprioritised.
However, Alexander never specifically mentioned the Champions Cup before sections of the European media began fuelling speculation around South Africa’s future involvement.
Speaking about the value of the tournament, Dobson said the Stormers have fully embraced the Champions Cup since joining European rugby structures and believes South African rugby would suffer without it.
The Stormers travelled to one of rugby’s great cathedrals, Stade Mayol, where they suffered a heartbreaking 28-27 defeat to RC Toulon in the round of 16 — a one-point loss that denied them what would have been a historic first-ever Champions Cup quarter-final appearance.
“We love being part of the Champions Cup,” Dobson said.
“We were so close to reaching the quarter-finals, which shows progress. We love that tournament.”
The Stormers coach highlighted the significance of hosting Europe’s biggest clubs in Cape Town, saying those occasions have become major events for both the franchise and supporters in the Western Cape.
“Fixtures against Leicester, La Rochelle, Harlequins, Toulouse or Toulon at home are a massive advantage for the Stormers and the people of Cape Town,” he explained.
“To have that taken away would be disappointing.”
Dobson also rejected concerns that the competition places an unsustainable burden on South African teams from a travel and player welfare perspective.
“I don’t think we struggle from a welfare point of view,” he said.
“I am aware that we do send a weakened team once a year on a one-off trip, but as our squad improves and more youngsters come through, we’ll be better in that regard.”
Beyond the benefits for the franchise itself, Dobson believes competing against elite European opposition is crucial for the continued success of the Springboks.
“I think it’s great for South African rugby,” he said.
“Our season would look a lot poorer without it.
“It’s unfortunate that the rumour that started will fuel some of the people up north who do not want South Africa to be part of it.
“I think South Africans playing in the Northern Hemisphere — whether in the URC or Champions Cup — is great for the Springboks and World Cup preparation because it provides tough preparation.”
Dobson reiterated that he would be deeply disappointed if South African teams were ever removed from the tournament.
“From a Stormers point of view, we love being part of it,” he said.
“We would be much poorer without it. We just have to become better at it. I would be disappointed if we withdrew.”
Fouche believes many South African supporters are only beginning to understand the prestige attached to Europe’s premier club competition.
“It’s crazy when you read that,” Fouche said in response to speculation surrounding South Africa’s future involvement.
“The fans haven’t yet reached a point where they fully understand the magnitude of the Champions Cup and the prestige that comes with it.”
The Stormers prop pointed to the recent final between Union Bordeaux-Bègles and Leinster in Bilbao as an example of the tournament’s growing appeal.
“You just had to watch this weekend’s final — Bordeaux versus Leinster in Bilbao — the fans that were there and the hype around it,” he said.
“Those are the big games you want to play in.”
Fouche even compared the competition to the UEFA Champions League in football, stressing the importance of remaining involved at the highest level.
“To compare it to football, you have the Premier League, and then you have the UEFA Champions League — and that’s basically what we are playing in,” he explained.
“We want to stay involved for as long as we can.”
He also highlighted the broader cultural experiences that come with touring Europe, saying the exposure benefits players beyond rugby itself.
“The boys have been to France and London,” Fouche said.
“Dobbo even took us to a play where the guys dressed up. We get to play against all the big teams — it’s massive for us as the Stormers, and long may it continue.”
