Loyalty pays off for Dobson

New Western Province Currie Cup coach John Dobson may just be the epitome of loyalty. He turned down offers from abroad while waiting patiently for a local opportunity.

Dobson, who was this week named as the Western Province Currie Cup coach, revealed that he has had several offers to move away from Cape Town.

Dobson's appointment followed the announcement that Allister Coetzee will leave the Stormers to coach the Steelers in Japan after the completion of the Super Rugby season.

Asked about the offers from abroad, Dobson said it is good for one's vanity.

"It was nice to get an expression of interest from a Super Rugby franchise that  was outside these shores, but I am committed to Western Province and am excited by that," he told rugby365 in an exclusive interview after this week's announcement.

He confirmed there was even "interest" from the Southern Kings.

"They have their current structures and plans in place that one needs to respect," Dobson said.

"I did have a very vague chat to them and was impressed by their vision and dynamism.

"They are an important project for South African rugby and wish them all of the best as they prepare top re-enter Super Rugby next year."

Despite his obvious passion and dedication to the job, the former University of Cape Town Varsity Cup coach, Dobson, said he stumbled into coaching by accident.

"As my playing career was in free fall from some very low slopes, playing for UCT fourths, I sort of assumed the mantle of player coach – on a 'do as I say, not do as I do' basis and that's how it started." he told rugby365.

However, despite his father Paul Dobson's long-standing and esteemed position in the world of refereeing, Dobson junior never considered becoming a match official.

"I have some social skills and humanity," he quipped.

Dobson, 46, first earned his coaching stripes at Varsity Cup, then WP Under-21 and Vodacom Cup levels, admitted there is going to be a challenging Currie Cup season ahead.

As defending champions they will have a huge target on their backs.

"It is exciting and am very grateful to Gert [Smal, WP Director of Rugby] and our administration for putting some faith in me.

"In Western Province it's a very democratic union in which our fans rightfully and beautifully feel the team belongs to them. They are so passionate, the best fans around.

"And often our administrators cop a hard time, but I hope that in this case I can prove them right. I am grateful for the opportunity."

While it is always hard to come in on the back of a successful season, Dobson has no hesitation when asked about his goals: "To retain the title."

However, there are some things they want to develop in the Currie Cup.

"I think there is a bit more breathing space in the Currie Cup, than in Super Rugby, to bring youngsters through and try some things on the field," the new WP coach said.

Known as someone who likes to play an attractive brand of rugby, he will take that philosophy with him into the Currie Cup.

"However, I don't think that would be new," he said, adding: "Last year Province won it playing exciting rugby.

"The coaches here, under Gert's guidance, feel we need to play an attractive brand of rugby. Its in this Union's DNA and its what our supporters want. And if coached properly, is winning rugby.  

"Currie Cup, as I said, gives a bit more latitude than Super Rugby and we shall look to bring some players through and refine their skills, by ensuring they get the ball in their hands and know how to use it.

"I think we are learning how to defend and how to attack at the same time.

"There is no doubt helter skelter attack can cause your defence some real headaches, so we still have to have  a good dollop of responsibility."

Asked if he felt the Currie Cup is an inferior competition to what it once was, he said the role of South Africa's premiers domestic competition has changed.

"I think its something that South African rugby needs to be fiercely proud of and we must be cautious of dealing it away or depowering it to much.

"In some ways it should play second fiddle to a competition [Super Rugby] that features the very best teams of the other two SANZAR partners – as it once was and maybe still is.

"However, I do think that the other countries are envious of us having a tournament of the level of and with the tradition and support of the Currie Cup.

"And we must watch that we do not let Super Rugby dilute it too much.

"I think that structurally our season could do with some dramatic refinement, in a way that can protect our players a bit more, by giving them more rest.

"We must be careful that Super Rugby is not won by the team with the best medical department and most depth rather than by the best team.  I think the season could be refined to ensure this and keep the Currie Cup powered up."

Jan de Koning

@King365ed

@rugby365com

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