John Dobson’s Stormers are pursuing more than rugby glory—they’re on a mission to uplift the people of the city and beyond, inspiring a diverse fanbase in the Western Cape with the mantra ‘Make Cape Town Smile’.
‘What we’ve got in Cape Town is an amazing project,’ Dobson told the Guardian. ‘Rugby is so big among all races in the Western Cape, so we’ve got this connection with the city. It’s almost a day-by-day version of the Springbok project.’
Like the Springbok project, the Stormers’ social footprint reaches far beyond the field. Dobson revealed a striking connection between his team’s victories and Cape Town’s communities.
‘If the Stormers win, the police say that gender-based violence drops in our poorer suburbs. That makes it a bit more than a game,’ he noted.
This broader purpose fuels the players, who understand the responsibility they carry. ‘South African teams always draw on a little extra edge compared to some countries because you’re playing for so much,’ Dobson explained.
The Stormers’ journey has not been without challenges. Dobson reflected on the team’s fiscal trials and efforts to rebuild. ‘This team went into administration and was bankrupt. To reconnect it and give it back to the people of Cape Town is my project.’
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Picture: Steve Haag Sports / Gallo Images
