The start of the 2021 rugby season signals the beginning of an exciting new era for Western Province Rugby at its new home in Green Point.
The iconic Cape Town Stadium in Green Point will be the home base for the Stormers and Western Province going forward, starting on Saturday, 27 February when the Stormers host the Cheetahs in a preparation fixture.
The venue on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, nestling next to Cape Town’s City Bowl and with Table Mountain as a backdrop, has hosted many memorable sporting occasions since it was built ahead of the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
In future, all home matches of Western Province Rugby’s professional teams will be held at Cape Town Stadium, providing a new home for Cape Town’s rugby teams and its supporters.
The fans will be able to enjoy the world-class facilities and unrivalled match-day experience that Cape Town Stadium offers, once crowds are allowed back at rugby games subject to Covid-19 regulations.
While the supporters will be missed in the two preparation games that the Stormers will play – against the Cheetahs this coming weekend and against the Lions on 27 March – they will again form part of the action as soon as national lockdown restrictions are lifted.
ALSO READ: Small-Smith confirms commitment to Cheetahs
Stormers coach John Dobson says his squad have been training regularly at Cape Town Stadium over the past year and are looking forward to making it their home.
‘It is a privilege for us to play and train at a world-class stadium and the players are very familiar with the venue,’ Dobson said.
‘We cannot wait for the Faithful to be able to join us at our new home and to see the stands full of our passionate supporters.’
Western Province Professional Rugby chairman Ebrahim Rasool says the move to the new stadium signals the start of an exciting new future for both the Stormers and WP.
‘We aspire to be world-class teams and brands, so it is fitting that we should play in a world-class stadium where our faithful supporters can enjoy an unrivalled experience. We all look forward to sharing many happy memories at Cape Town Stadium,’ he explained.
Lesley de Reuck, CEO of the Cape Town Stadium, added that having the Stormers and Western Province as anchor tenants is the realisation of a long-term vision.
‘The Stormers and Western Province are sports teams that are synonymous with Cape Town and the passion of its people. We are thrilled to welcome the players, coaches, staff and supporters to Cape Town Stadium and could not be more excited about our future together,’ he said.
ALSO READ: What’s in our new issue?
Photo: Gallo Images
