Dobson urges Cape Town to fill DHL Stadium in honour of Chippie Solomon

Stormers camp grieves as Dobson calls for packed house against Connacht

The Stormers are preparing for Saturday's URC clash with Connacht at DHL Stadium (13:45 kickoff) under the weight of grief following the death of long-serving team manager Ernie 'Chippie' Solomon, who died from a heart attack in the early hours of last Saturday morning. He was 64.

Solomon had been with the franchise since 2004 — the era of Gert Smal and Corné Krige — making him one of the most enduring figures in the organisation's history. His passing has shaken players and management alike, and John Dobson acknowledged on Monday that the usual weekly routine has been disrupted, admitting he had not yet begun thinking about team selection for the Connacht match.

Dobson made a direct appeal to Cape Town supporters to pack the stadium on Saturday. "I want to appeal to the people of Cape Town, come and help us honour Chippie. Let's celebrate his life and enjoy a great Stormers performance," he said, adding that the team would be guided this week by the question: "What would Chippie want?"

"We are not using it as a gimmick," Dobson stressed, making clear the tribute is about preparation and performance rather than sentiment alone.

Deon Fourie, who first toured with the Stormers 18 years ago and shared a room with Solomon on that trip, described him as "much more than just a team manager". Fourie said the squad held an hour-long meeting on Monday morning to share memories. "The guys told some stories about Chippie and everyone had a laugh. Most of the guys were crying. It was very emotional. He was this building — he was around when they built it. He sat in this office from day one and I think his presence is still here."

Player welfare manager Duncan Cruickshank will cover Solomon's operational responsibilities this week. Dobson was candid about the challenge that presents. "It's not easy for Duncan. He will feel like an imposter as he knows he's not Chippie. Long term we will be okay, but right now it is about doing justice to a person who meant everything to this team."

The practical impact of Solomon's absence was already being felt — when asked about bus arrangements for the upcoming Ulster trip, Dobson admitted he had no idea where to begin. "I don't have a clue," he said, though he noted that management staff who had worked alongside Solomon would help fill the gaps.

Saturday's home fixture is part of a double-header at DHL Stadium, with the Stormers XXIII also hosting the Bulls.