The Stormers, under new ownership, are attracting interest from World Cup-winning Springboks, but CEO Johan le Roux and Director of Rugby John Dobson emphasise that they won’t follow in the footsteps of the big-spending Sharks.
The team is focused on maintaining a balanced approach to building their squad while operating within their budget.
Stormers’ Approach to Signings
Le Roux, a key figure in the Red Disa consortium’s equity deal to secure a controlling shareholding in the newly named Stormers Rugby, outlined the team’s approach to balancing the books while pursuing success.
“John is given a rugby budget that he has to operate. He is responsible for the whole rugby programme,” Le Roux stated. The Stormers aim to make strategic signings that align with their financial constraints and overall team goals.
Kitshoff’s Return and Potential Signings
The Stormers recently announced the return of United Rugby Championship-winning skipper Steven Kitshoff from Ulster next season. However, Le Roux clarified, “We don’t have ambitions of becoming a big-money club.”
The team is focused on making smart signings that complement their existing squad and contribute to their on-field success.
Dobson, who now oversees recruitment and coaching, insists that Kitshoff’s return isn’t the start of a spending spree, although he hinted at a few possible big-name arrivals.
“There might be one or two more announcements, but nothing like us going into the market,” Dobson said. The Stormers are carefully considering their options and will only make signings that fit within their budget and team dynamics.
World Cup-Winning Springboks Show Interest
Remarkably, since the takeover deal, several World Cup-winning Springboks have expressed interest in returning to the Stormers. “What’s remarkable is that since this deal, there have been a few World Cup-winning Springboks who have rung up and asked to come back, which is great for us,” Dobson revealed.
The Stormers’ new ownership has made the team an attractive destination for top talent, but the team remains committed to making signings that align with their overall strategy.
Kitshoff: A No-Brainer Signing
Regarding Kitshoff’s return, Dobson explained, “Kitsie was a no-brainer, because he is a leader, one of us, who was gone for a very short time. There are no other agendas.” Kitshoff’s return is a strategic move that brings leadership and experience back to the Stormers’ squad.
Signings Based on Budget and Team’s Best Interests
The Stormers’ approach to signings will be based on the available budget and the team’s best interests. “If it fits the budget and the best interests of the team, then we will go ahead and do it,” Dobson stated.
The team is committed to making smart signings that contribute to their on-field success while maintaining financial stability.
Stormers’ Balanced Approach
While the Sharks, under majority shareholder Marco Masotti, continue their big spending by landing Springbok stars like Trevor Nyakane and Andre Esterhuizen, the Stormers are taking a more balanced approach to building their squad.
The team recognises the importance of financial responsibility and is focused on making signings that fit within their budget and contribute to their overall success.
The Stormers’ new ownership has opened up possibilities for attracting top talent, but the team remains committed to operating within their means and prioritising the long-term success of the rugby programme.
With a balanced approach to signings and a focus on building a strong squad, the Stormers are poised for success both on and off the field.
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