Dobson's message to club rugby players following Davids signing
SPOTLIGHT: Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson sent a clear message to club rugby players in the Western Cape following the signing of Robertson Town RFC speedster Lleyton Davids.
Davids caught the eye in a United Rugby Championship pre-season friendly against the Bulls, where he burned fellow speedster Thaakir Abrahams on the outside before making an excellent cover tackle later in the match to prevent the Bulls from scoring.
That showing proved to be enough for the Stormers to get Davids on their books.
Dobson described Davids as “something special” and had a message for all club rugby players in the Western Cape region.
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“Lleyton obviously has searing out-and-out pace having run a sub-11 second 100 metre barefoot, but what he showed us in pre-season is that he has a real instinct for rugby.
“This is a great example of how our recruitment system is working. While players are being identified at a young age and the Stormers Rugby Institute is developing the best talent, there is still so much untapped potential in our region.
“I saw him playing for Robertson Town live, and it was clear that he has something special. Now the onus is on us to develop him as a player to ensure that he can make an impact at a higher level.
“We want to ensure that all local players, regardless of where they are playing, can see a pathway to our squad.
“Credit must go to all involved in making this signing happen, especially his agent Shafiek Mouton, who went above and beyond,” he said.
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Davids will have the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the game such as Cheslin Kolbe, Damian Willemse, Ruhan Nel, Leolin Zas and Seabelo Senatla.
Speaking on signing with the Stormers, Davids said it is a dream come true.
“Like any local boy, I grew up watching the Stormers and training with the squad over the past months has been a dream come true.
“I have rubbed shoulders with some great players, and I want to show that I can keep improving and that I belong in what is one of the strongest squads in world club rugby,” he concluded.
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