Connacht scrum and contact coach Cullie Tucker has expressed the province's condolences following the death of Stormers team manager Chippie Solomon. The tribute reflects the wide regard Solomon held across the international rugby community.
Connacht scrum and contact coach Cullie Tucker has conveyed the Irish province's condolences to the Stormers following the death of team manager Chippie Solomon.
Tucker delivered the tribute on behalf of Connacht, reflecting the respect Solomon commanded across the rugby community beyond South African borders.
The Stormers were eliminated from the Champions Cup after a 28-27 defeat to Toulon at the Stade Mayol, with the match ending in controversy when a late Adre Smith try was ruled out by the TMO. Coach John Dobson questioned the decision, pointing to Toulon flank Charles Ollivon's position on the ground as a key factor, while acknowledging the Stormers were below their best in the scrum and some defensive sequences. The squad now refocuses on the URC, with Connacht coming to Cape Town on April 18.
The Stormers were eliminated from the Champions Cup 28-27 by Toulon at Stade Mayol, with the game decided by a TMO ruling that disallowed a late Adre Smith try in debatable circumstances. Coach John Dobson disputed the call, arguing Toulon flank Charles Ollivon was on the ground and offside when he prevented the grounding. The Stormers now refocus on the URC, with Connacht coming to Cape Town Stadium on April 18.
The Stormers are mourning the death of long-serving team manager Chippie Solomon, who died from a heart attack on Saturday aged 64. John Dobson has urged Cape Town supporters to fill DHL Stadium for Saturday's URC clash with Connacht as a tribute to Solomon, who served the franchise from 2004. Player welfare manager Duncan Cruickshank will cover Solomon's duties this week.
South Africa's traditional giants are 80 minutes away from writing the newest chapter in our Investec Champions Cup history.
The boys debate whether the Boks will be the greatest beneficiaries from the Stormers and Bulls' dramatic Investec Champions Cup playoff elimination.