Stormers rugby director John Dobson firmly denied reports linking versatile player Jonathan Roche to a potential move to Ireland, calling the claims 'absurd.' He also confirmed that the player has already signed a contract extension to remain in Cape Town.
Recently, there were suggestions that Roche, who is eligible to play for Ireland, was considering a move to the Northern Hemisphere. However, during a press conference on Wednesday, Dobson categorically stated that these rumors are completely untrue and have been refuted by the player's management.
Explaining Roche's absence from the squad for the 23rd day match in the United Rugby Championship against Scarlets at the DHL stadium, Dobson clarified that the midfielder was held out solely for medical reasons, not due to contract uncertainty.
Dobson noted: 'Johnny Roche, we couldn't consider it because he had a concussion. But then this story appears, and they write that he is considering [Ireland], when he is almost crying saying that he has never considered anything other than playing for Stormers and South Africa.' He continued: 'This article was absurd. He has no interest in it. There was no quote from Johnny where he said, 'I am considering it.' He agreed to extend his contract. He wants to wear green and gold, like all these young guys here. Indeed, there is some smoke, but no fire.'
Furthermore, Dobson emphasized that Roche's ambitions remain firmly focused on South African rugby, despite the fact that he can also play for Zimbabwe. He reported that the rising talent has already visited national teams as part of the long-term planning of the Springbok program.
'He would like to help Zimbabwean rugby, but that won't happen either,' Dobson said. 'In fact, he was already at a training camp, and his message from South African rugby shows that he is in the sights, and that is where he wants to be.'
As Roche recovers from his concussion, Stormers plans to officially announce several key contract extensions in November after completing upcoming home matches against Scarlets and Ulster before the international break.