Dobson gets Super assistance

The coaching staff for Western Province as well as WP Under-21 and WP U19 have been confirmed.

WP start their Currie Cup campaign with a trip to Loftus Versfeld to face the Blue Bulls in a traditional north-south derby on Friday, August 5.

Currie Cup coach John Dobson will be assisted Stormers defence coach Paul Treu and Stormers forwards coach Russell Winter.

Dawie Snyman will be backline coach and Norman Laker the assistant defence coach.

Meanwhile Jerome Paarwater is taking over as Western Province U21 coach.

Paarwater will be assisted by forwards coach Hanyani Shimange, backs coach Chris Rossouw, defence coach Anton Moolman and fitness and conditioning coach Riefaat Jappie.

Paarwater brings plenty of experience to the role as a coach that has been involved in the structures at Western Province Rugby for over 15 years, and he is excited about the challenge.

"There is so much talent to work with here, and I have two Springboks assisting me, so I am excited about the challenge that lies ahead of us," said Paarwater.

Western Province U19 retain the same coaching staff that took them to the semifinal last year with – forwards coach Rito Hlungwani, defence coach Chris October and strength and conditioning coach Johan van Wyk assisting head coach Nazeem Adams – who recently travelled to the World Rugby U20 Championships as assistant coach of the Junior Springboks.

Director of Rugby Gert Smal said that it is vital that the standards of excellence that have been achieved in recent years across all Western Province teams are maintained.

"The success of our age-group teams is something we take great pride in, and making sure there are good young players coming through the system consistently is a major focus for us.

"Both Jerome and Nazeem have proven pedigrees as coaches, and I am looking forward to seeing what they are able to achieve with the exciting talent at their disposal this season," he said.

Smal is also looking forward to seeing what Stormers assistant coaches Treu and Winter can offer the Western Province coaching team of Dobson, Snyman and Laker whose team topped the Currie Cup qualifier standings.

"Paul and Russell have proven their value during Super Rugby, so they will have a lot to offer in the Currie Cup campaign," he said.