Stormers End Feud with Springboks Star as Coach John Dobson Secures ‘Freakishly Talented’ Forward on Long-Term Deal
The Stormers have announced that Springboks flanker Ben-Jason Dixon will remain in Cape Town after settling a contract dispute, while exciting back Wandisile Simelane has re-signed.
It’s two major bits of business for the Cape-based franchise ahead of the 2025/26 season as there was a possibility that both players would leave the Stormers.
The club and Dixon were reportedly at loggerheads over the wording of an exit clause in his contract, and the flanker sought arbitration to resolve a particular clause in his contract.
Ben-Jason Dixon stays at the Stormers
However, the Stormers have confirmed that an independent process found Dixon’s contract is binding, with no revisions applicable.
This means that he will remain at the club until the conclusion of his contract, which runs until June 2027.
Director of rugby John Dobson believes that Dixon and the Stormers can now put the dispute behind them and that it won’t impact the flanker’s performances.
“Ben-Jason is one of the most committed rugby players around and has been a vital cog in our team for some time,” he said in a club statement.
“With this now settled, we know that he will continue to give everything on and off the field for us,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dixon said that with the matter now resolved, he is looking forward to making an impact on the field once again.
He is currently sidelined through injury which meant that he missed out on the Springboks squad but is understood to be on track to possibly feature in the Rugby Championship.
“I’m really grateful that both sides had the chance to bring everything to the table through arbitration and get clarity going forward,” he said.
“With this behind us, I’m looking forward to getting back to doing what I love — giving my best for the DHL Stormers.”
Wandi re-signs
The Stormers also confirmed today that centre Wandisile Simelane has signed a contract extension with the club that he joined in early 2024.
“Wandi has got incredible natural talent which has marked him as a dangerous player from a young age,” Dobson said.
“What we have been particularly impressed with is his willingness to learn and develop his game.
“He has an incredibly high ceiling and we are looking forward to seeing what he can do and add to our team going forward.”
Simelane said it was an easy decision to re-commit to the side: “At the DHL Stormers, players are encouraged to express themselves and make the most of their abilities. I feel that I have grown as a player since moving here and I’m looking forward to seeing where this team can go.”
While Dixon and Simelane have extended their stays in Cape Town, former Blitzboks speedster Angelo Davids has departed the side to join the Lions who have also announced the arrivals of former Bulls fly-half Chris Smith from French club Oyonnax and ex-Sharks speedster Eduan Keyter.
