'New home and new beginnings' for Stormers
SPOTLIGHT: The news of the Stormers move from Newlands to Cape Town Stadium has been a highly publicized topic.
Since 2019 all in the rugby fraternity and the rest have been reporting on the historic move.
However this weekend the Stormers will officially kick off their pre-season campaign with a match against the Cheetahs on Saturday, February 27.
Stormers are heading into the fixture with major off-field conundrums.
They have lost the services of captain Siya Kolisi to the Sharks and also other highly rated players.
While the Cape Town Union also has to deal with the ongoing boardroom quarrel.
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However, inside the camp, there is a huge sense of positivity.
“The start of the 2021 season signals the beginning of an exciting new era for Western Province Rugby at its new home – Cape Town Stadium,” the Western Province’s stated in an official statement on Monday.
The iconic venue in Greenpoint will be the home base for the Stormers and Western Province going forward.
The union also revealed that “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 beloved rugby teams and their Faithful supporters.
“The Faithful will be able to enjoy the world-class facilities and unrivalled matchday 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 against the Cheetahs on February 27 and Lions on March 27, they will form part of the action as soon as regulations allow,”
Stormers Head Coach John Dobson said that his squad has been training regularly at Cape Town Stadium over the last 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.
“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,” he said.
Western Province Professional Rugby Chairman Ebrahim Rasool said that the move to Cape Town Stadium signals the start of an exciting new future for both the Stormers and Western Province.
“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 said.
Lesley de Reuck, CEO of the Cape Town Stadium said 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.
