John Dobson is concerned about the erosion of rugby’s traditional values, highlighting the great opportunity the DHL Stormers have playing in the Investec Champions Cup.
The Stormers face Harlequins in the second round of the EPCR competition at Twickenham Stoop on Saturday. Dobson’s men lost to Toulon at Gqeberha last week and Harlequins will also be hoping to bounce back after going down to Racing 92 away from home.
speaking guardian As he prepares for the EPCR clash at Twickenham Stoop, director of rugby Dobson has expressed concern about the state of the sport.
“I think we’re in a curious space with rugby values,” he said. “It sounds very old-fashioned now, but are you lying down and trying to get the TMO involved? Aren’t you talking to the opposition party?
“I think all of us, including South Africa, have been trampling on the values of rugby a little bit over the last few years. I feel like the sport has lost it a little bit.”
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Drawing from his unique background – These include degrees in law, business administration, and creative writing. – Dobson highlighted the decline in camaraderie after the game.
“When I started at the Stormers, some of the players didn’t shower after games. They were on their way home in their sportswear. I said: ‘Jeepers, if we don’t like the people here enough to have a cold drink with them later, we’re in trouble.’
Reflecting on last week’s game against Toulon, he questioned the lack of cultural exchange. “We were playing a Champions Cup match in a beautiful city and I didn’t speak to a single Frenchman. How is it possible that men come from another continent and we don’t even say hello to them? It’s really strange.
“I’m old school. I like that aspect of the game. Many old values remain. I think the future of rugby could be here.”
Despite fielding a team potentially weakened by serious injuries this week, Dobson remained determined. “We’re going to fight at Harlequins. We’re not coming to tickle bellies.”
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