John Dobson has rubbished rumours that Jonathan Roche could leave the Stormers to take up a deal in Ireland.
The Cape Town-born centre is eligible to represent South Africa, Zimbabwe via his father, and Ireland through his grandmother on his father’s side.
Dobson slams Jonathan Roche rumours
This sparked a report by RugbyPass journalist Neil Fissler, who stated that Irish provinces were on red alert about his future with Roche’s contract at the Stormers expiring at the end of the current season.
The report claimed that the 23-year-old was weighing up who he would pledge his international future to and could be a successor to Robbie Henshaw or Bundee Aki at Leinster and Connacht, respectively.
However, after naming the Stormers team to face Scarlets in the United Rugby Championship this weekend, Dobson slammed the rumour as preposterous.
Furthermore, the director of rugby said that there was no doubt around his future at the Cape-based club as Roche has already inked a contract extension with the Stormers set to announce a host of re-signings in November.
“That article was preposterous yesterday,” Dobson fumed.
“He’s got no interest in it. There was no quote from Johnny to say, ‘I am considering it’. He’s agreed to an extension. He’s committed to here.”
Dobson also clarified Roche’s international hopes.
“He wants to wear the Green and Gold like all these youngsters here,” he continued.
“That is really some smoke without any form of fire. I think he’s got very close ties to Zimbabwe and he’d love to help them, but that’s not going to happen either.
“In fact, he’s already been to a [Springboks] alignment camp, it is magic from South African rugby that shows he’s on the radar and this is where he wants to be.”
Pead and Muller earn run-on debuts
Meanwhile, Dobson has named a heavily rotated Stormers team following the victory over Bristol Bears in the Investec Champions Cup.
Springboks flanker Paul de Villiers will captain the team from the side of the scrum where he is joined by Evan Roos and Hacjivah Dayimani, the latter starting at the back of the scrum.
Connor Evans and Riley Norton combine in the second row with the Bok front row of Zachary Porthen, André-Hugo Venter, and Ntuthuko Mchunu named in the run-on team after appearing off the bench last week.
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Haashim Pead and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu are the starting half-backs, the former earning his first run-on appearance in Stormers colours while Leolin Zas and Seabelo Senatla are retained on the wings.
Wandisile Simelane, who was a late replacement for Ruhan Nel last week, retains the number 13 jersey whilst highly-rated teenager Markus Muller replaces Roche in the run-on team. It will also be Muller’s first start for the Stormers. Warrick Gelant completes the team, replacing Damian Willemse at full-back.
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On the bench, hooker Lukhanyo Vokozela and props Olly Reid and Neethling Fouché provide front-row cover and feature in a 6-2 bench split with fellow forwards Adré Smith, JD Schickerling, and Deon Fourie. Cobus Reinach and Yaqeen Ahmed are the two replacement backs.
Stormers team versus Scarlets
Stormers: 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 (c), 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
Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Kick-off: 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA & SA
Referee: Robbie Jenkinson (IRFU, 4th league game)
Assistant Referees: Christopher Allison (SARU), Juan de Bod (SARU)
TMO: Eoghan Cross (IRFU)
Live on: SuperSport, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv