WP / Stormers BACK TO THE FUTURE!

[Chilli]

| 03:16
'NEW HOME AND NEW BEGINNINGS' FOR STORMERS
Online EditorsONLINE EDITORS
SPOTLIGHT: The news of the Stormers move from Newlands to Cape Town Stadium has been a highly publicized topic.

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Since 2019 all in the rugby fraternity and the rest have been reporting on the historic move.

However this weekend the Stormers will officially kick off their pre-season campaign with a match against the Cheetahs on Saturday, February 27.

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Stormers are heading into the fixture with major off-field conundrums.

They have lost the services of captain Siya Kolisi to the Sharks and also other highly rated players.

While the Cape Town Union also has to deal with the ongoing boardroom quarrel.


However, inside the camp, there is a huge sense of positivity.

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“The start of the 2021 season signals the beginning of an exciting new era for Western Province Rugby at its new home – Cape Town Stadium,” the Western Province’s stated in an official statement on Monday.

The iconic venue in Greenpoint will be the home base for the Stormers and Western Province going forward.

The union also revealed that “in future all home matches of Western Province Rugby’s professional teams will be held at Cape Town Stadium, providing a new home for Cape Town’s beloved rugby teams and their Faithful supporters.

“The Faithful will be able to enjoy the world-class facilities and unrivalled matchday experience that Cape Town Stadium offers, once crowds are allowed back at rugby games subject to COVID-19 regulations.

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“While the supporters will be missed in the two preparation games against the Cheetahs on February 27 and Lions on March 27, they will form part of the action as soon as regulations allow,”

Stormers Head Coach John Dobson said that his squad has been training regularly at Cape Town Stadium over the last year and are looking forward to making it their home.

“It is a privilege for us to play and train at a world-class stadium and the players are very familiar with the venue.

“We cannot wait for the Faithful to be able to join us at our new home and to see the stands full of our passionate supporters,” he said.

Western Province Professional Rugby Chairman Ebrahim Rasool said that the move to Cape Town Stadium signals the start of an exciting new future for both the Stormers and Western Province.

“We aspire to be world-class teams and brands, so it is fitting that we should play in a world-class stadium where our Faithful supporters can enjoy an unrivalled experience.

“We all look forward to sharing many happy memories at Cape Town Stadium,” he said.

Lesley de Reuck, CEO of the Cape Town Stadium said that having the Stormers and Western Province as anchor tenants is the realisation of a long-term vision.

“The Stormers and Western Province are sports teams that are synonymous with Cape Town and the passion of its people. We are thrilled to welcome the players, coaches, staff and supporters to Cape Town Stadium and could not be more excited about our future together,” he said.

[assfly]

In all honesty, it is a lovely stadium. Well designed, great location, spacious surroundings, good transport links. And good toilets! I would expect a lot of travelling fans from Europe to pick a Stormers game over the rest.

What's the situation with corporate boxes? I remember that being a sticking point for the move a few years ago, that the new stadium wasn't built with as many as Newlands has.

Edit: I see they've planned to add more: https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/news/16 ... m-45567418

[Sards]

In all honesty, it is a lovely stadium. Well designed, great location, spacious surroundings, good transport links. And good toilets! I would expect a lot of travelling fans from Europe to pick a Stormers game over the rest.

What's the situation with corporate boxes? I remember that being a sticking point for the move a few years ago, that the new stadium wasn't built with as many as Newlands has.

Edit: I see they've planned to add more: https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/news/16 ... m-45567418

Those corporate boxes became a vokkop......companies were closing them because it became a drinking pit where clients ( which dropped from the owners and MDs to workshop managers and the purchasing department....) clients just came to drink as much and eat as much as they could for free in as short a time as it took the match to happen....

My wife and I stopped going ages ago...we would be sitting in the suite and they would bring out snacks and within seconds it would be gone...the suite would run out of booze...guests would get po#s dronk and swear and fall all over the show......nah thanks....I get enough of that shit at my home on weekends.....

[assfly]

Those corporate boxes became a vokkop......companies were closing them because it became a drinking pit where clients ( which dropped from the owners and MDs to workshop managers and the purchasing department....) clients just came to drink as much and eat as much as they could for free in as short a time as it took the match to happen....

My wife and I stopped going ages ago...we would be sitting in the suite and they would bring out snacks and within seconds it would be gone...the suite would run out of booze...guests would get po#s dronk and swear and fall all over the show......nah thanks....I get enough of that shit at my home on weekends.....

To be honest that sounds wonderful

[OomStruisbaai]

So after all this trolling of WP player losses the squad look pretty much the same.

https://thestormers.com/team/

[Sards]

So after all this trolling of WP player losses the squad look pretty much the same.

https://thestormers.com/team/

Thats a good thing?

[OomStruisbaai]

Surprise to see JJ Kotze in the squad. Same age group as Kade and Paul Roos captain. A bit young for a nr 2 on this level but thats what most think when Kitshoff started.

[Chilli]

Surprise to see JJ Kotze in the squad. Same age group as Kade and Paul Roos captain. A bit young for a nr 2 on this level but thats what most think when Kitshoff started.

If he is good enough he is old enough.

[OomStruisbaai]

SA Rugbymag

Big-name Boks set to recommit to Stormers
Steven Kitshoff and Bongi MbonambiStormers Boks Steven Kitshoff and Bongi Mbonambi
Published on February 27, 2021
1354 124
There is set to be some good news for WP Rugby as World Cup-winning Springboks such as Bongi Mbonambi, Damian Willemse, Steven Kitshoff and Frans Malherbe are all poised to extend their contracts. CRAIG LEWIS reports.

On the eve of the Stormers’ opening clash in SA Rugby’s preparation series, there has been some encouraging developments behind the scenes.

Despite a number of leading players being linked with interested suitors both locally and abroad, SARugbymag.co.za understands that important progress has been made in securing contract extensions with several top Boks.

Mbonambi, for example, was rumoured to be on the radar of both the Vodacom Bulls and Sharks, as well as a top overseas club, but he will be remaining in Cape Town for the next three years.


Kitshoff – who has established himself as the leading loosehead prop in South Africa – was also understandably in high demand along with fellow Word Cup-winning front rower Frans Malherbe, but both will continue to anchor the WP scrum.

And, in another boost to the front-row stocks, 30-year-old Scarra Ntubeni is among the group set to extend their contracts.

It’s also significant that Willemse will be remaining in Cape Town despite some strong suggestions that he could be heading to the Vodacom Bulls.

The 22-year-old is one of the most highly regarded young backs in South African rugby, capable of slotting in at flyhalf or fullback.

All of these signing extensions will be seen as hugely encouraging for coach John Dobson, who has worked extremely hard behind the scenes to ensure such players see a bright future with the Stormers.

It’s also a considerable boost in terms of stabilising the status of the professional arm of the franchise, particularly as some talk suggested there could be a host of players who could follow in the (departing) footsteps of Siya Kolisi due to the off-field problems that have plagued the union’s amateur arm.

The only new departures now seem to potentially include lock JD Schickerling, but it’s expected that he will still see his contract through to the end of October before taking up a big-money offer from Japan.

Meanwhile, there is still no finality on the future of Juarno Augustus, although it’s understood that some reports suggesting his move to the Northampton Saints is a done deal are a bit far-fetched.

[Chilli]

Jan de KoningJAN DE KONINGR365 EDITOR CONTACT JAN
It has been more than a year – 31 January 2020 was when Paul Zacks stepped down – that Western Province Professional Rugby (Pty) Ltd has been without a Chief Executive Officer.

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That position has finally gone to market this week.

Yes, the advertisement for the assignment was eventually placed on Thursday.

Initially, a general business committee was appointed to handle the professional side of the game in Cape Town – compromising two representatives from the company’s shareholder (Western Province Rugby Football Union) and two independent directors from the company.

By the latter part of 2020 – in the wake of all the boardroom disaccord – the only remaining member of that committee was WPRFU President Zelt Marais.

In effect, he was left in control of both the amateur arm (WPRFU) and the professional arm (WPPR).

There was a big split in December – when the professional arm, under the guidance of new Chairman Ebrahim Rasool, decided to separate the ‘powers and functions’ of the union (WPRFU) and the company (WPPR).

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Despite this move, the appointment of a CEO, to take charge of WPPR, has been a bone of contention for months and the decision to suspend a leading candidate like Junaid Moerat added further intrigue to an already inflamed situation.

Against this background, the specifications for the position of CEO – as contained in the advertisement – makes for very interesting reading.

It is a five-year contract.

Applicants will know by May 31 if they are in the running – or, at the very least, have met the requirements.

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However, it is in the wording – when considering the requirements – that you realise some prospective applicants may be left in the starting blocks.

It may also suggest that you perpend the rumours that people with close ties to Marais may be more than just ‘dark horses’.

Here is the bolter. Don’t be surprised if the name of former Southern Spears CEO Tony McKeever suddenly becomes more prominent in the Newlands grapevine.

Those whispers – untested as they are – suddenly don’t seem so far-fetched when you see the wording of the job specs.

For one, applicants must have ‘proven experience and success as a Chief Executive Officer or at Senior Executive level’.

Another requirement is that applicants must have the ability to deal with a high level of public scrutiny.

They must also have – as a minimum – a bachelors degree in commerce, sports management or other related fields, while a post-graduate qualification will be a distinct advantage.

Then they must have a high level of influencing ability.

The job will require the successful applicant to ‘develop WPPR into an outstanding sporting organisation’ and ensure the foundations are in place to ‘consistently win on the field’ while delivering a return to shareholders.

Advertising the position is only the beginning of the process and – given the curious and extraordinary workings of the WPRFU/WPPR boardroom – a lot will happen in the next month.

The power struggles we have seen in the last few years will ensure the Cape Town franchise will continue to be as entertaining off the field as it has been on it.

And the mutable nature of officials means the final result is never a given.

@king365ed
@rugby365com

[Chilli]

Meanwhile in Slaapstad.................

https://www.news24.com/sport/rugby/sa-r ... t-20210308

Is the WP a Failed Union, like the EP?

[OomStruisbaai]

The clubs appointed Poes Marais, now they complaining.

[OomStruisbaai]

Is the WP a Failed Union, like the EP?

This is not just WP , all provinces have the same kak. WP just have more PoC clubs. Won't be long before SARU ask the Sharks/Bulls/Lions/Cheetahs to have PoC presidents.

Then we,ll see where this is heading.

[Chilli]

The clubs appointed Poes Marais, now they complaining.

Ja, they got what they asked for.

[average joe]

The clubs appointed Poes Marais, now they complaining.

Hy lyk sommer soos n perlemoen smokkelaar.

[OomStruisbaai]

The clubs appointed Poes Marais, now they complaining.

Hy lyk sommer soos n perlemoen smokkelaar.

Seker die Sharks gaan hom binnekort poach. Daars nie genoeg Zulu rugby presidente beskikbaar nie.

[Sards]

The clubs appointed Poes Marais, now they complaining.

Hy lyk sommer soos n perlemoen smokkelaar.

Seker die Sharks gaan hom binnekort poach. Daars nie genoeg Zulu rugby presidente beskikbaar nie.

Rather let us have Sihle....that kid has more talent and skill in his pinkie toe than Willemse's entire body

[OomStruisbaai]

Hy lyk sommer soos n perlemoen smokkelaar.

Seker die Sharks gaan hom binnekort poach. Daars nie genoeg Zulu rugby presidente beskikbaar nie.

Rather let us have Sihle....that kid has more talent and skill in his pinkie toe than Willemse's entire body

Eduard will need to be replace soon with a PoC.

[handyman]

Seker die Sharks gaan hom binnekort poach. Daars nie genoeg Zulu rugby presidente beskikbaar nie.

Rather let us have Sihle....that kid has more talent and skill in his pinkie toe than Willemse's entire body

Eduard will need to be replace soon with a PoC.

These POC posts are tedious and entirely unnecessary.

[OomStruisbaai]

Rather let us have Sihle....that kid has more talent and skill in his pinkie toe than Willemse's entire body

Eduard will need to be replace soon with a PoC.

These POC posts are tedious and entirely unnecessary.

Well thats killing WP rugby at the moment ,tedious.

[assfly]

These POC posts are tedious and entirely unnecessary.

I hate that expression. People of colour. What does that make the rest of us, translucent?

[Chilli]

These POC posts are tedious and entirely unnecessary.

I hate that expression. People of colour. What does that make the rest of us, translucent?

Hi Meghan!

[assfly]

[handyman]

So it seems that the Bulls with all their money was not able to lure Damian Willemse from WP. Will be good to see the replies from the regular WP bashers on here.

[assfly]

So it seems that the Bulls with all their money was not able to lure Damian Willemse from WP. Will be good to see the replies from the regular WP bashers on here.

It's interesting. I would have liked to have seen him go to get some time under Jake White, but not sure if he would have played 10 or 12. At least staying at WP he should get some more gametime.

If he's going to sign anywhere, I would have preferred to see him move overseas.

Good luck to him. At least with this behind him he can concentrate on his game.

[handyman]

So it seems that the Bulls with all their money was not able to lure Damian Willemse from WP. Will be good to see the replies from the regular WP bashers on here.

It's interesting. I would have liked to have seen him go to get some time under Jake White, but not sure if he would have played 10 or 12. At least staying at WP he should get some more gametime.

If he's going to sign anywhere, I would have preferred to see him move overseas.

Good luck to him. At least with this behind him he can concentrate on his game.

Interesting post and one that I agree with. 2 winters in England would have been great for his development, although I'm sure Jake would also play a big part in getting structure in his game.

Maybe used the Bulls to sweeten his contract at WP?

[Chilli]

So it seems that the Bulls with all their money was not able to lure Damian Willemse from WP. Will be good to see the replies from the regular WP bashers on here.

It's interesting. I would have liked to have seen him go to get some time under Jake White, but not sure if he would have played 10 or 12. At least staying at WP he should get some more gametime.

If he's going to sign anywhere, I would have preferred to see him move overseas.

Good luck to him. At least with this behind him he can concentrate on his game.

I think that Jake wanted him at 15. Goosen at 10 and Hendrcks at 12

[assfly]

I think that Jake wanted him at 15. Goosen at 10 and Hendrcks at 12

Possibly, but then what about Gelant? I know he's injured but when he's back he needs a full season at 15 to get to his best.

That 10-12 combo does not particularly fill me with fear.

[Blake]

So it seems that the Bulls with all their money was not able to lure Damian Willemse from WP. Will be good to see the replies from the regular WP bashers on here.

It's interesting. I would have liked to have seen him go to get some time under Jake White, but not sure if he would have played 10 or 12. At least staying at WP he should get some more gametime.

If he's going to sign anywhere, I would have preferred to see him move overseas.

Good luck to him. At least with this behind him he can concentrate on his game.

I wonder how long Dobson is going to persist with him at 10 to be honest. Or if he is being "forced" to persist with him at 10.
Kade Wolhuter is taking his opportunity at 10 and we are light at 15...literally and figuratively.
Dylan Leyds little brother needs to pack on on kg's; he's 10cm taller than Kolbe, but 12kg lighter.

[average joe]

I think that Jake wanted him at 15. Goosen at 10 and Hendrcks at 12

Possibly, but then what about Gelant? I know he's injured but when he's back he needs a full season at 15 to get to his best.

That 10-12 combo does not particularly fill me with fear.

Ummm, I know the bush telephone is a bit slow up there but Galant has not played for the Bulls for a quite while now.

[Blake]

I think that Jake wanted him at 15. Goosen at 10 and Hendrcks at 12

Possibly, but then what about Gelant? I know he's injured but when he's back he needs a full season at 15 to get to his best.

That 10-12 combo does not particularly fill me with fear.

Hendricks has arguably been the form 12 last year. I wouldn't mind him getting a Bok call-up based on his 2020 form at 12.
Pushing De Allende hard for the 12 spot IMO.

[handyman]

I think that Jake wanted him at 15. Goosen at 10 and Hendrcks at 12

Possibly, but then what about Gelant? I know he's injured but when he's back he needs a full season at 15 to get to his best.

That 10-12 combo does not particularly fill me with fear.

Gelant is at WP now...

[assfly]

my bad about Gelant.

Hendricks has arguably been the form 12 last year. I wouldn't mind him getting a Bok call-up based on his 2020 form at 12.
Pushing De Allende hard for the 12 spot IMO.

I'm not sold on Hendricks. Yes he probably was the best 12 in SA in this last season, but the bar was pitifully low. Compared to the rest of the 12s playing around the world, I don't think he's that good. I think de Allende and AE are light years ahead of him based on current form.

[handyman]

my bad about Gelant.

Hendricks has arguably been the form 12 last year. I wouldn't mind him getting a Bok call-up based on his 2020 form at 12.
Pushing De Allende hard for the 12 spot IMO.

I'm not sold on Hendricks. Yes he probably was the best 12 in SA in this last season, but the bar was pitifully low. Compared to the rest of the 12s playing around the world, I don't think he's that good. I think de Allende and AE are light years ahead of him based on current form.

Agree re Hendricks.

[Chilli]

I think that Jake wanted him at 15. Goosen at 10 and Hendrcks at 12

Possibly, but then what about Gelant? I know he's injured but when he's back he needs a full season at 15 to get to his best.

That 10-12 combo does not particularly fill me with fear.

Gelant is playing for the WP.

[Blake]

my bad about Gelant.

Hendricks has arguably been the form 12 last year. I wouldn't mind him getting a Bok call-up based on his 2020 form at 12.
Pushing De Allende hard for the 12 spot IMO.

I'm not sold on Hendricks. Yes he probably was the best 12 in SA in this last season, but the bar was pitifully low. Compared to the rest of the 12s playing around the world, I don't think he's that good. I think de Allende and AE are light years ahead of him based on current form.

I think it depends on your gameplan. DDA and AE are big bosh merchants, great for getting you over the gainline and giving you forward momentum.

Hendriks seems to be better at attacking space and creating opportunities. Probably due to his instincts as a former wing. Unfortunately because of that his distribution skills are a bit underdeveloped, but it’s not as if DDA and AE are well known for their distribution abilities either.

Either way we have some decent depth at 12, and we have Frans Steyn as a backup as well for another couple of seasons I think.

[OomStruisbaai]

2 winters in England would have been great for his development,

We are playing permanently now in the UK in the PRO16.

Myself think the only reason for him to move to the Bulls will be to be with his brother. And if Jake offer him lots of money.

Like Jake stated , he can slot in 12 aswell. Good to see Kade doing reasonably well. He have all the skills. His kicking game is the best of all the lot but can distribute, attack and defend well enough. Plus he can cover like Damian 10,12 & 15. He only need experience.

[handyman]

2 winters in England would have been great for his development,

We are playing permanently now in the UK in the PRO16.

Myself think the only reason for him to move to the Bulls will be to be with his brother. And if Jake offer him lots of money.

Like Jake stated , he can slot in 12 aswell. Good to see Kade doing reasonably well. He have all the skills. His kicking game is the best of all the lot but can distribute, attack and defend well enough. Plus he can cover like Damian 10,12 & 15. He only need experience.

I think more than half of WP's games will still be at home if you think about all the derbies. Time in a different team without all the hype will do him good. Where you are judged on your current level of play, not the good games you had as a youngster.

I'm excited to see what Kade can do.

[OomStruisbaai]

He is a much better investment then Swiel who hit his best level below CC.

[handyman]

He is a much better investment then Swiel who hit his best level below CC.

Agreed, I'm no fan of Swiel. He will do much better at the Cheetahs.