Latest news with #JohnDobson
The South African
6 days ago
- Business
- The South African
Stormers drop new logo: Here's what it looks like
The DHL Stormers have refreshed their visual identity with a sleek new logo that encapsulates the team's spirit, history, and community ties. The updated emblem reinforces the franchise's commitment to evolution while remaining rooted in the iconic imagery that fans hold dear. The DHL Stormers have taken a bold step forward by unveiling a revamped logo that strikes a perfect balance between tradition and modern dynamism. The new design retains the distinctive 'S' at its core, but refines it with cleaner, sharper lines – enhanced with a curved, stylised bolt that injects speed and power into the symbol. The iconic oval frame remains, preserving brand continuity and making the logo instantly recognisable to long-time supporters. However, the refreshed colour palette leans into deeper, richer tones of blue, contrasted with a striking red flash at the centre – visually evoking lightning, motion, and raw energy. By modernising the logo without erasing its heritage, the Stormers have created an emblem that respects the legacy of the franchise while signalling its readiness for the future. The sleeker 'S' is both elegant and dynamic; the red bolt dramatically bisects the shape, hinting at forward momentum and electrifying performance. This refinement reflects the Stormers' position at the forefront of South African rugby, a team with deep colonial roots yet firmly grounded in the present. The logo's bold clarity means it will translate well across digital platforms, merchandise, and branding collateral – a crucial move as the team deepens its global reach in competitions like the URC and Champions Cup. Stormers Rugby CEO Johan le Roux said that the new identity seeks to bring the club's brand in line with the ambitions of the team and the business. 'We have seen some major developments to the way we operate and where we see ourselves going as a club. This felt like the right time to update our identity as we embrace a new era, with all of our stakeholders 'In it together' with us. 'The previous logo was over 25 years old and past due an upgrade. This new logo holds far more symbolism, with the hoops of the jersey making up an icon that represents the unity of the various communities that support our team. 'But this is about far more than just a logo. This is a statement about how we see ourselves and the way we connect with those who support us. We want all of them with us every step of the way as we break new ground,' he said. Director of Rugby John Dobson said that this new identity goes hand-in-hand with the team's mission to make Cape Town smile. 'This team is one of the best-supported in the world. We have some of the most vibrant rugby communities and no shortage of passion at every level. This is a big step forward in many ways as we take the DHL Stormers from being a rugby team to so much more. We are 'in it together' with everyone who is coming on this exciting new journey with us,' he added. Chief Commercial Officer Leontine De Sutter said that the new brand identity seeks to highlight the deep connection between the team and their fans. 'Our new identity and the campaign that we have launched seeks to bring our team and the communities that make us who we are closer than ever before. The 'In it together' campaign and our brand film beautifully encapsulate the essence of our team and our new brand proposition,' she said. Fans will find a renewed sense of pride in the updated crest, it's familiar yet fresh, iconic yet sleek. It speaks to Cape Town's vibrant energy and the team's ever-evolving identity. With this refined logo, the Stormers have both paid homage to their past and embraced the future in one powerful visual statement. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Time Out
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Van Coke, Kitshoff and Dobbo walk into a bar
It's not every day that a sleepy Klein Karoo town hosts a gathering of musicians, World Cup-winning Springboks, magicians and broadcasters, but that's exactly what's on the cards as the third annual 5 Arts Weekend returns to the Karoo Art Hotel in Barrydale from 18-20 July 2025. This festival is loosely geared around the theme 'The Art of...', with a host of talented South Africans hitting the road to Barrydale in aid of a good cause. The weekend kicks off on Friday night with an intimate concert in the hotel's gallery theater by Francois van Coke for 'The Art of Music'. Rugby takes center stage on Saturday with 'The Art of Rugby – Insight & Analysis', a more informal 'fireside chat' on professional rugby preparation with John Dobson, head coach of the DHL Stormers, and Steven Kitshoff, Springbok stalwart and scrummaging master. Leading the conversation will be CapeTalk host John Maytham. On Saturday evening, guests will also gather to watch the Springboks take on Georgia, with commentary, banter and braai flavor in full supply. Other highlights include 'The Art of Magic', with comedic illusionist Peter G, and 'The Art of Beer', hosted by Kitshoff; co-founder of Bomb Squad beer. Expect tastings, tales, and a celebration of South Africa's craft beer culture. But the weekend is about more than entertainment. It's become an important community upliftment initiative, supporting local rugby clubs The Stryders and Flying Eagles, who celebrate their 75th anniversary this year. With over 60 percent unemployment in the area, sport is a powerful force for good, and thanks to proceeds from past events, the teams now have new kit, improved facilities, and a growing youth program. This year's goal: new boots and more equipment. Along with Dobson and Co. contributing their time and talent, the weekend is made possible by Rick and Sue Melville, owners of the Karoo Art Hotel, whose deep local ties and commitment to Barrydale help drive the weekend's fundraising efforts.
News24
24-06-2025
- Sport
- News24
Stormers add to loose forward stocks with signing of Ruan Ackermann
The Stormers have signed Ruan Ackermann from English club Gloucester to strengthen their loose forward options for the 2025/26 season. Stormers director of rugby John Dobson praised Ackermann's work ethic and is confident he will excel and become a fan favourite. Ackermann expressed his excitement for his new challenge, pledging full commitment to contributing positively to the Stormers' success. For more URC news, visit our dedicated section. The Stormers announced the signing of Ruan Ackermann on Tuesday, bolstering their stocks at loose forward for the 2025/26 season. Ackermann returns to South Africa after playing for Gloucester in the English Premiership, where he made over 170 appearances for the club. He is one of several new additions for the Cape-based franchise, who earlier this year announced the arrival of Springboks Cobus Reinach (scrumhalf) and Ntuthuko Mchunu (prop) for next season. Stormers director of rugby John Dobson was delighted with the addition of the powerful loose forward to his squad. 'Ruan is a proven performer who puts in the kind of hard work that our game model requires. Our fans can expect complete commitment from him for every minute he spends in our jersey,' he said. 'We are very excited to see the impact he will make here, and I'm confident that he will become a firm favourite at DHL Stadium.' 🫡 We will welcome all-action loose forward @RuanAckermann to the fold next season. #iamastormer — DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) June 24, 2025 Ackermann said he was looking forward to a new chapter in his career, adding that he was committed to giving everything for his new franchise. 'The support for rugby in Cape Town is second to none and there are obviously some incredible players and coaches there, so I am looking forward to what should be an exciting new journey for me and my family. 'I'm ready to give everything I have to the cause and make a positive contribution in any way I can as part of what will be a strong squad next season.' The Stormers start their URC campaign on Friday, 26 September, against defending champions Leinster in Cape Town. Show Comments ()
The South African
04-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
Springboks (Signings & Exits): SEVEN player movements
A total of seven Springboks are linked with big moves both IN and OUT of South Africa. Being a Springboks rugby player certainly has it's perks. Following back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories, Bok stars are now even more sought-after than ever before. So, Let's take a look at the capped Springboks linked with big moves to new clubs both in and out of SA. Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach and Marvin Orie are all set to return home. Back to South Africa. The Rugby World Cup winning Springboks trio are all involved with massive deals with local United Rugby Championship outfits. Namely, the Bulls and Stormers. Pollard has signed a huge deal that will see him return to the Bulls next season. Meanwhile, Reinach has signed a deal with John Dobson's Stormers. He will start playing for the Cape-based side at the start of the 2025/26 season. Finally, Orie is set to join the Bulls next season. Meanwhile, Edwill Van Der Merwe has signed for the Sharks ahead of next season. Manie Libbok, Joseph Dweba and Herschel Jantjies are all set to leave the Stormers and SA at the end of the season. 'Scrumhalves Herschel Jantjies and Paul de Wet are heading to Bayonne in France and the Bulls respectively, while hooker Joseph Dweba departs for English Premiership side Exeter Chiefs, ' the insider stated on The Citizen. Meaning, three capped Boks are set to start new ventures abroad. Libbok has been linked with a sabbatical and a potential loan move to Japan. Meanwhile, both Dweba and Jantjies are going to ply their trade abroad next season. 'Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok, with Director of Rugby John Dobson confirming after the Glasgow loss that he was on his way out with the others, but with no confirmation on what sort of deal,' he added. However, Libbok will likely be loaned out and come back to the Stormers. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
TimesLIVE
02-06-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Stormers bullied by physical Glasgow, says Dobson
The Stormers were bullied when they crashed to a heavy 36-18 defeat against Glasgow Warriors in a United Rugby Championship (URC) quarterfinal clash, coach John Dobson said. In the aftermath of a devastating loss at Scotstoun Stadium on Friday, a perplexed Dobson said he did not know how his team would be able to fix their inability to dominate the gain line. The victory kept Glasgow's hopes of lifting back-to-back URC titles alive after they beat the Bulls 21-16 in the 2024 final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. 'We were bullied physically, everything went wrong, and they put us under pressure,' Dobson said. 'To get so well beaten is disappointing and it was probably our worst game of the season. Things such as the line-outs and technical stuff we can fix and we also lost the technical battle and we can work on that.
