Rugby
Exclusive: Stormers’ John Dobson Dismisses Stephen Donald’s URC Criticism and Questions Super Rugby’s Relevance
Former All Black Stephen Donald's comments on the competitiveness of the United Rugby Championship (URC) have sparked a debate between the northern and southern hemispheres. South African coaches defend URC's test-match level rugby, while acknowledging the differences between URC and Super Rugby. Jake White, John Plumtree, and John Dobson weigh in on the controversy.
Bledisloe Cup Game 2 - New Zealand v Australia by Fiona Goodall | Getty Images
The rugby world is once again at odds in the north-south debate—this time reignited by former All Black and pundit Stephen Donald. Speaking on New Zealand’s Breakdown Show, Donald questioned the competitiveness of the United Rugby Championship [URC], calling it “a very low level compared to Super Rugby,” while discussing Jordie Barrett’s return from Leinster and whether he remains fit for All Blacks selection.
The comments sparked a wave of backlash and spirited defense from South Africa’s URC representatives, with coaches from the Bulls, Sharks, and Stormers all weighing in.
John Dobson: "URC is test-match level rugby"
Stormers head coach John Dobson was the most forthright, strongly defending the URC's competitiveness and even taking a swipe at Super Rugby’s decline.
“Super 12 was the best provincial competition ever. But it got diluted. Since the South African teams left Super Rugby, it’s changed,” Dobson exclusively told SportsBoom.com.
“Super Rugby looks different now and not in a way that reflects what wins World Cups.”
Dobson emphasized that URC's physicality and structure closely mirror international rugby.
“Breakdown contests, mauls, long scrum sets, that’s real rugby. That’s test rugby.”
Responding to Donald’s critique, Dobson said: “Wow! I couldn’t disagree more. URC is test-match rugby. If Jordie Barrett doesn’t make the All Blacks, would he make the Ireland team? Probably, I am not sure. Would the Crusaders beat Leinster? I’d love to see it, but I’d bet on Leinster. Same for the Bulls vs the Waratahs. Bulls it is.”
Jake White: "Super Rugby isn't what it used to be"
Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White, acknowledged the complexity of comparing competitions that have evolved so differently.
“Super Rugby has changed so many times. It used to be Super 8, then Super 10, 12, 14... now it's a competition without South African teams,” White told the media.
“It depends what Super Rugby you’re referring to. The Blues in the 90s were as strong as any international side, but Leinster now is just as formidable.”
Pressed to respond directly to Donald’s claim, White refused to take the bait. “There’s no right or wrong answer. It depends on which teams and competitions you're comparing.”
John Plumtree: "They’re just different"
Sharks head coach John Plumtree, who has coached in New Zealand and South African sides echoed White’s diplomatic tone but emphasized the structural and stylistic differences between the two tournaments.
“Super Rugby has faster games and high skill levels. But it’s a sprint. URC is a longer, more challenging season with international windows interrupting play,” said Plumtree. “They’re very different styles of rugby.”
When asked about Donald’s specific remarks, Plumtree was dismissive.
“Who said that? Honestly, not something that interests me. There are Springboks in URC, in Japan too, it doesn’t mean one league is definitively better.”
Nathan has over a decade of knowledge and experience, both as a former professional sportsperson and journalist. Nathan, a former radio sports presenter and producer is an award-winning community radio sports producer/presenter.