Exclusive: John Dobson Confirms Hacjivah Dayimani Return as Stormers Plot Mid-Season Reset

The Stormers may be enjoying a rare breather during the Six Nations window, but behind the scenes the franchise has been anything but idle. In a major boost for the Cape outfit, Director of Rugby John Dobson has confirmed the return of dynamic loose forward Hacjivah Dayimani, describing the signing as a fortunate coup at a crucial time in their campaign.

With the squad battling an injury crisis and form dipping after a strong start, Dayimani’s homecoming could not be better timed.

Reflecting on the First Half

Dobson cut a relatively satisfied figure when assessing the Stormers’ season to date.

“I am pretty happy with how the season has gone so far. If you said at the start of the season we would be where we are now, I am happy,” he said.

The Stormers began the campaign in impressive fashion, stringing together an unbeaten run built on discipline, set-piece dominance and composure. 

However, momentum stalled during a heavy defeat to Harlequins, before back-to-back losses to the Sharks, one at home and another in Durban, exposed deeper concerns.

“The two games against the Sharks were tough. We had set-piece dominance the whole season until that point. We probably weren’t prepared to find solutions to that and it is a bit frustrating,” Dobson admitted.

“The biggest frustrations were just the patterns of the same issues in both the Sharks games.”

Perhaps most alarming was the sudden drop in discipline. Prior to the Sharks clashes, the Stormers were statistically the most disciplined side in the URC, averaging just eight penalties per game.

“When we got to the local derbies, we get blown out the water,” Dobson said. 

“We gave away 19 penalties in Durban.”

For a team built on structure and control, that regression proved costly.

Injury Woes Take Their Toll

Compounding matters has been a mounting injury list that has forced constant reshuffling. Key senior players in both the forwards and backs have been unavailable for extended periods.

“We got cleaned out in the backs from the start,” Dobson explained. “If you take Dan du Plessis, Ruhan Nel, Seabelo Senatla and Suleiman Hartzenberg who were not available. Then in the pack Salman [Moerat] went, Ruben [van Heerden] went and Ruan Ackermann… it was across the board and it’s not an excuse.”

The absence of experienced leaders has left a noticeable void, particularly in high-pressure derby encounters. Dobson conceded that adaptation has not always been swift enough.

“I think we weren’t prepared to adapt without them.”

Despite the setbacks, the Stormers have managed to grind out important wins, particularly away from home. But the strain on a reduced squad has been evident, especially in the loose forward department.

Dayimani Returns Home

Against that backdrop, the confirmation of Dayimani’s return from Racing 92 offers both quality and depth.

“Yes, Hacjivah is coming back!” Dobson revealed. 

“You won’t get a player of his quality out of his contract. We got really, really lucky that he was available to leave Paris. You can never get those players out of contract, it’s impossible.”

Dayimani’s athleticism, breakdown presence and attacking flair will significantly bolster the Stormers’ loose forward stocks, particularly with Siya Kolisi also set to rejoin the franchise in July. The combination promises renewed balance and competition in the back row.

Dobson highlighted the workload carried by his remaining loose forwards in recent months.

“BJ [Ben-Jason Dixon] can move into lock. Evan [Roos], Paul [de Villiers] and BJ have been overplayed.”

The return of Dayimani should ease that burden and restore the physical edge that characterised the Stormers at their best.

The Sacha Debate

One of Dobson’s boldest calls this season was appointing young playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu as captain amid the leadership vacuum created by injuries to the likes of Steven Kitshoff, Deon Fourie, Salman Moerat, Dan du Plessis and Ruhan Nel.

The decision has drawn criticism, particularly given Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s dual responsibility as chief playmaker and on-field leader.

“He is going to be a brilliant captain,” Dobson insisted. 

“The idea was for him to drive the game more but he is also the captain now as well.”

Dobson acknowledged the weight of expectation placed on such young shoulders.

“Whether it is a good idea to have your game driver, magic maker and leader at the same time at that age is probably worth a debate. He is going to be a great Stormers captain, I have got no doubt. If it is too early, probably.”

Yet the Stormers boss remains convinced of the 22-year-old’s long-term leadership credentials.

“His rugby brain is insane. I have got no doubt he will be a good captain… Springbok captain, possibly.”

A Timely Reset

With a much-needed break allowing bodies to recover and reinforcements on the way, the Stormers have an opportunity to reset for the business end of the season. The return of Dayimani signals intent, while Dobson’s candid reflections suggest lessons have been learned.

If discipline is restored and leaders return to full fitness, the Cape side could yet re-emerge as genuine contenders.

For now, though, the message from Dobbo is clear: reinforcements are coming, and the Stormers are far from done.