John Dobson says the DHL Stormers are thrilled by the potential of the ground-breaking equity deal set to be presented to Western Province’s primary club stakeholders.
Western Province Rugby officially confirmed that a general council meeting will be held on Wednesday, 30 August, when the equity deal will be presented.
The proposed deal is with Red Disa Investment, and their intended involvement with WP Rugby will solidify the DHL Stormers as a powerhouse in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship and the Champions Cup, and will also consolidate DHL Western Province’s historical standing as one of the most successful teams in the Currie Cup.
Dobson believes the equity partners, given the strong local influence, will safeguard all the best traditions of the Western Province Rugby and also create the right environment for the DHL Stormers to be one of the leading club sides in the world.
“On behalf of myself, Salmaan and the rest of the team, we are absolutely thrilled that this process has come to where it is and that this deal is ready to go to the clubs,” said Dobson.
“It has been a long time coming, as it has been an excellent and dilligent process, but it is something which is much-needed if we are to stay competitive and continue to reach our mission to make Cape Town smile.
“We have no doubt that this will benefit rugby in the Western Cape. We want to have a team that the people can be proud of and that can inspire people to play rugby. An inspirational Stormers team is important to that.
“There is no way that this can be done without equity and investment, so we are super excited and thrilled that it is going to the clubs for their approval. We know that these are the right partners, who are in it for the right reasons, to see upliftment in our communities.
“We saw how important the connection is with the people over the last two seasons, who we are playing for and represent. We know that clearly and for us it’s just wonderful to continue to do that with this investment, continuing to make Cape Town smile and proud.”
The Stormers get the 2023-24 season underway with a Vodacom URC opening-round fixture against the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday, 21 October.
Photo: Tyler Miller/Sportsfile/Gallo Images
