Project 2029 all about winning

Stormers director of rugby John Dobson says the intent behind Project 2029 is about creating a sustainable system capable of winning now and well beyond the decade’s end.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Vodacom URC north-south derby against the Bulls at Cape Town Stadium, Dobson moved to provide clarity about the project, saying the recent narrative suggesting the Stormers were “only planning to win in 2029” had missed the point.

“That’s anything but the truth,” he said. “We want to win on Saturday. We want to win right now. Project 2029 is not about waiting – it’s about building properly so we can keep winning.”

Dobson explained that the project is a macro vision, centred on sustainability, depth and pathways, rather than quick fixes.

“If you want to be one of the best rugby clubs in the world, you have to compete in Europe. And to do that, you need depth – effectively two squads,” he said, referencing the likes of Toulouse and Leinster whose squads are laden with internationals.

“You can either write a cheque and compete immediately, or you can invest in your region, your schools and your systems. We’ve chosen the second model.”

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A key pillar of Project 2029 is the revival of the Stormers Rugby Institute, which Dobson believes will underpin the club’s future.

“Restarting the institute in 2026 is massive for us. If you look at a player like [schoolboy star] Markus Muller, that intake will be 21 by 2029. That’s where your squad comes from,” he said.

“The institute, our relationships with schools, junior systems and data investment – it’s a whole ecosystem. The Stormers team is simply the output of getting those things right.”

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Stormers Rugby (formerly Western Province Rugby) has in recent years undergone an ownership change which saved the union from financial oblivion, moved to Cape Town Stadium from its spiritual home of Newlands, and started playing in top-tier European competitions.

Dobson has been central to the Stormers’ modern rise, having been part of the system since 2010. He led Western Province to Currie Cup glory in 2017 and guided the Stormers to the inaugural Vodacom URC title in 2021-22, before stepping into the director of rugby role in 2024.

Dobson believes that “once the union gets everything properly organised in the long-term, then “we’re going to be in a golden space. But that doesn’t preclude us winning now.”

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Dobson, who this week signed a contract extension through to 2029, played down personal significance, instead highlighting collective alignment.

“I’m just the front man,” he said. “This isn’t about one coach. We’ve got an incredible coaching and support staff, and the trust levels are very high.

“I’ve always told the owners that they’ll know when it’s my time to go and I’ll know when it’s my time to go. It might even happen before then [2029].”

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For Stormers vice-captain Damian Willemse, Project 2029 resonates deeply because it reflects continuity and belief.

“I’ve worked with Dobbo since I left school,” Willemse said. “We’ve won a Currie Cup, a URC, gone to places like Sandy Park – and we’re still building.”

Willemse, who has a long-term contract until 2027, alongside teammates such as Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, said commitment to the project runs deep within the squad.

“Guys aren’t here because they have to be. They’re here because they care,” he said. “We love the badge, the people and this union.

“The grass isn’t greener on the other side,” Willemse added. “The grass is greener where you water it – and that’s what we’re doing here.”

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Dobson, pointing to Willemse, added: “I can sit next to one of the great Stormers and I don’t think many players in the world who are on tour, 14 weeks on the road, you fly out, come out and play against Zebra, stay on against Benetton when he’s not fully fit … but that’s the people we want to build this club around.”

Both Dobson and Willemse referenced the rugby culture in the Western Cape and the love and passion people have for the game and the sacrifices fans make to sell out Cape Town Stadium for the Bulls clash after spending heavily over Christmas and on holidays.

“There are people coming to pay and watch the Stormers and that is really special for us,” Dobson added.

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Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images