Exclusive: John Dobson Opens Up on Kebble-Sithole Swap, Early Signings, and Stormers’ Depth Woes

The Cape Town outfit have started their rugby season like a house on fire, delivering a resounding 35-0 win over the defending URC champions Leinster in a statement performance that has set tongues wagging across the league.

Off the field, the Stormers have been equally active. The latest piece of business sees Oli Kebble returning for a second stint at the franchise and he could feature this weekend against Ospreys, as confirmed by forwards coach Rito Hlungwani.

Kebble Returns, Sithole Departs

While the return of Kebble has been welcomed with open arms, it comes at the cost of Sti Sithole, who moves to the Bulls in a swap deal.

Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson was honest about the circumstances surrounding the move.

“Sti and Oli share the same agent. The Bulls proposed a two-year deal for Sti. We weren’t sure if we could offer him another contract. And Oli is someone we know really well and I think it’s a deal that worked out for us," Dobson told SportsBoom.co.za. 

“Oli is more of a Cape Town boy than a Pretoria boy [laughs]. It’s a good deal for us.”

Premature Signings Raise Eyebrows

The Stormers also confirmed the signing of Wilco Louw from the Bulls but the powerhouse prop will only arrive next season. The timing of the announcement has sparked debate among fans about the logic of revealing signings so far in advance.

Dobson explained the awkward timing.

“Everybody knew about the deal. I preferred we didn’t announce the signing and kept it for the off-season. But what happens is the contracting window opens a year before, so from 1 July the previous year, you can start talking to players.”

“A deal gets done well in advance, and then everyone knows. It’s awkward! Now Wilco has to play a full season with the Bulls and try win a URC title for them, while everyone knows he’s coming to us.”

Dobson also referenced Ruben van Heerden, who is heading to Montpellier at season’s end: "Same can be said about Ruben van Heerden, everyone knows he is going to Montpellier. With South African rugby, once two people know, everyone will know. There are no secrets."

Flyhalf Crisis as Injuries and Boks Hit Hard

A major concern for the Stormers is the lack of depth at flyhalf, with key players unavailable due to injuries and Springbok commitments.

With Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Damian Willemse, and Cobus Reinach unavailable until January due to rest periods, the franchise is stretched thin. Adding to the issue, Jean-Luc du Plessis is injured, leaving Jurie Matthee as the only fit specialist flyhalf.

“We let Manie [Libbok] go, we all know the reasons. There was no way we could keep both Springbok flyhalves, him and Sacha,” said Dobson. 

“Jean-Luc is injured, Jurie is the only fit flyhalf, and we brought in Clinton Swart on a short-term loan.”

Griquas Partnership Bears Fruit

Speculation arose around the arrivals of Dylan Maart, Gurshwin Wehr, and Caleb Abrahams from the Griquas. Dobson clarified the nature of the relationship. 

“We’ve got a formal agreement with Griquas. We send some of our players to play for them, and when their season is over, we ask for players. We saw we were thin on the wing and brought in Gurshwin and Dylan. They’re not necessarily on loan but more of a trial or collaboration basis.”

20-Minute Red Card Trial Gets the Nod

In a move that could reshape match outcomes, the URC has announced a trial of the 20-minute red card law for the 2025–26 season. A change supported by the Stormers after suffering from crucial red card moments last year.

“We had Damian [Willemse] and Neethling [Fouché] red-carded, but Neethling’s in Belfast had a big influence  and it probably cost us a home play-off,” said Dobson.

“This trial won’t impact the game too much and is probably a fairer process. It takes away the element of punishing the team for the whole match. I think it’s a good option by the URC.”