John Dobson was voted as SA Rugby’s coach of the year after leading the DHL Stormers to a historic Vodacom United Rugby Championship title in 2022.
In the first year of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, Dobson’s team capped off a magnificent season by defeating the Vodacom Bulls in the final at DHL stadium.
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Dobson, born, raised and schooled in Western Province, has transformed the DHL Stormers in every regard, creating history on every occasion,
Dobson’s selections were the most transformed in the history of South African rugby and he delivered the Stormers’ first international trophy in the franchise’s 26-year history.
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He also did so after losing seven of the most influential 2019 Springbok Rugby World Cup winners to other clubs in South Africa and across the globe.
Dobson. schooled at Bishops and a UCT old boy, also coached WP to titles in the Vodacom Cup and the Currie Cup before taking charge of the Stormers.
Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday, assistant coach Dawie Snyman paid tribute to Dobson.
“We are extremely proud of Dobbo. We went through a tough time and he was always strong. He kept everyone motivated. I think he kept a lot of players together when it looked like we were going to lose some top players,” says Snyman.
“Everyone will say that it is a pleasure to work with Dobbo. He brings out the best in players and coaches and gets the team to pursue a common goal. It’s a privilege to work with him.”
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The other nominees were Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber and Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse.