Dobson: 'Job security concerns'
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stormers head coach John Dobson fears that the Super Rugby suspension could lead to major job losses.
Following the Stormers’ defeat to Sharks, the coach admitted that the governing body SANZAAR’s announcement an indefinite suspension of this year’s tournament will result in major financial losses and ‘job security concerns’ at the franchise.
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Although the economic ramifications of the shutdown have yet to be measured, Stormers head coach has already painted a bleak picture of the future financial state of the Cape Town side.
“The reaction to [the coronavirus], I hope it’s properly thought through because it’s going to have a cataclysmic effect on some peoples’ lives,” Dobson said.
“We are not the [football] English Premier League. And I don’t know what the quantum is if a Super Rugby doesn’t resume, but I suspect it’s between a R10 million to R20 million loss. I don’t know if we can absorb it as an industry.
He added: “And my players [ the Stormers] generally have job security concerns now and it’s not like they can go and play in Europe anymore.
“I think we’re in for a harder time than we think.
“People in poorer places are losing jobs and that really scares me.
“Feel sorry for Liverpool football club, feel sorry for the Sharks, feel sorry for this tournament, and feel sorry for everybody,”
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Dobson’s fears cannot be underestimated when it comes to the Stormers and their financial state.
The Stormers’ financial struggles have been well-documented and just last weekend it was reported that Cape Town franchise’s’ staff are threatening to strike because they have not received salary increases.
Zelt Marais, President of the Western Province Rugby Football Union, confirmed to rugby365com that there are ongoing ‘discussions’, but declined to reveal any details.
The Stormers were scheduled to travel to Argentine this weekend however the trip was canned.
@rugby365com
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