Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson has hit back at reports linking versatile back Jonathan Roche with a move to Ireland, dismissing the claims as "preposterous" and confirming that the player has already agreed a contract extension to remain in Cape Town.
Speculation surfaced recently suggesting that Roche, who is eligible for Irish selection, was considering a move across the Northern Hemisphere. However, Dobson firmly set the record straight during a media briefing on Wednesday, revealing that the reports were completely devoid of truth and had already been refuted by the player's management.
Clarifying Roche's absence from the matchday 23 for Saturday's United Rugby Championship clash against Scarlets at DHL Stadium, Dobson confirmed the midfielder was sidelined purely due to medical protocols rather than contract uncertainty.
"Johnny Roche, we couldn't consider because he's got concussion. But I mean, a story gets written and it says he's considering [Ireland] when he's almost in tears to say he's never considered anything else than playing for the Stormers and South Africa," Dobson stated.
"That article was preposterous. He's got no interest in it. There was no quote from Johnny to say 'I'm considering it'. He's agreed his extension. He wants to wear the green and gold, like all these youngsters here. There is really some smoke without any form of fire."
Dobson added that Roche's ambitions remain firmly aligned with South African rugby, despite also being eligible for Zimbabwe, revealing that the rising talent has already attended national alignment camps as part of the Springbok setup's long-term planning.
"He'd love to help Zimbabwe rugby, but that's not going to happen either," Dobson said. "In fact, he's already been to an alignment camp, his message from South African rugby shows that he's on the radar, and this is where he wants to be."
With Roche recovering from his concussion, the Stormers expect to officially announce a cluster of key squad contract renewals in November once their upcoming home fixtures against Scarlets and Ulster are concluded before the international break.
Stormers team for Scarlets:
15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Markus Muller, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Haashim Pead, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Evan Roos, 6 Paul de Villiers (captain), 5 Connor Evans, 4 Riley Norton, 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 Lukhanyo Vokozela, 17 Olly Reid, 18 Neethling Fouché, 19 Adré Smith, 20 JD Schickerling, 21 Deon Fourie, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Yaqeen Ahmed.