The rise of Ben-Jason Dixon
SPOTLIGHT: Ben-Jason Dixon has established himself as an important cog in the Stormers’ engine room this season and his growth as a player will put the Capetonians in good stead heading into the 2023/2024 season.
The 25-year-old has been with the Stormers for a few seasons now since making the step up from age-group rugby and the Varsity Cup and he has impressed with his performances on the field.
At the start of the season, Dixon was preparing to play most of his rugby off the bench, but the lock slowly pushed his way into the starting XV as the season went by and he has proven himself to be a capable No.7 flank.
“I am delighted with how the season has gone,” Dixon told reporters on Tuesday ahead of Western Province’s final-round Currie Cup clash against the Sharks on Saturday.
“Thinking back to the start of the season I was wondering how it was going to look. I was thinking I was probably going to come off the bench in a lot of matches.
“I got to start in the middle of the season and it has been going well.
“I got a lot more game time from there and I didn’t expect to get so many opportunities at No.7.
“Playing at flank has been a lot of fun. It’s a different game compared to lock.
“I felt like I had an opportunity to grow and it has been so much fun being part of the team and getting more opportunities to start.”
Taking the opportunity
One of the games where Dixon made his mark this season was against the Bulls in December. He was asked to start at No.4 lock and he played a key role in a 37-27 win at Cape Town Stadium.
However, he has since starred in the back row when he has been given in an opportunity.
“I realised you don’t get so many opportunities at this level. You are not going to be thrown in the starting line-up every week,” he explained.
“You need to take your opportunities and I was very aware of that and it was a case where I had to show what I am about.”
Dixon still has a few goals when it comes to his growth as a player.
“I love the physical stuff and I love being involved in maul tries. This season we had a big focus on our attacking maul and getting rewards from it.
“I am especially passionate about defence. Not just the tackling but getting off the line as well and putting the other team under pressure.
“I would like to keep working on my overall game. I am working on my attack, which includes offloads through contact, so I want to improve.
“It has been a fun season.”
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