22 October 2026
Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson has slammed "preposterous" media reports linking rising centre Jonathan Roche with an overseas move, confirming the midfielder has agreed to a contract extension.
The 23-year-old midfielder was ruled out of Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash against the Scarlets due to concussion protocols. However, midweek headlines tracking a potential international switch to Ireland or Zimbabwe completely overshadowed the team selection.
"Johnny Roche, we couldn't consider because he's got concussion," Dobson stated. "But I mean, a story gets written, and it says he's considering [Ireland] when he's almost in tears to say he's never considered anything else than playing for the Stormers and South Africa."
The powerhouse back qualifies for Ireland through his paternal grandmother and previously drew interest from Zimbabwe rugby. Despite the cross-border interest, Roche’s management team at Roc Sports Nation officially refuted the exit rumours earlier in the week.
"That article was preposterous. He's got no interest in it," said Dobson. "There was no quote from Johnny to say 'I'm considering it'. He's agreed to his extension. He wants to wear the green and gold, like all these youngsters here. There is really some smoke without any form of fire."
Roche remains firmly on the Springbok radar after attending a national alignment camp last season. Dobson reaffirmed that the youngster's international ambitions lie strictly within the South African structures.
"He'd love to help Zimbabwe rugby, but that's not going to happen either," Dobson said. "In fact, he's already been to an alignment camp; his message from South African rugby shows that he's on the radar, and this is where he wants to be."
With Roche sidelined for the round-four fixture at DHL Stadium, the Stormers have reshuffled their midfield configuration. Markus Muller steps into the starting lineup to forge a new partnership with the explosive Wandisile Simelane.