Cape Town - Western Province coach John Dobson is a relieved man after winning the Currie Cup in his third season in charge.
During Dobson’s first season in 2015, WP lost the Currie Cup final 32-24 to the Golden Lions in Johannesburg, while last year they suffered a last-gasp 36-30 defeat to the Blue Bulls in the semi-finals in Pretoria.
The 2017 season was a topsy-turvy one for the Capetonians, who lost five regular season games.
They however peaked at the right time and won their last three encounters to claim the title.
It was WP’s 34th Currie Cup title, putting them well clear of the second-placed Blue Bulls who have won 23.
“The Currie Cup is part of Western Province’s DNA and therefore I am so relieved that we could won the trophy. That Currie Cup means a lot for the people of Cape Town,” Dobson said at a press conference at Newlands on Wednesday.
Dobson believes the future is bright for the union, despite its current financial struggles having been liquidated.
“A lot of work was done behind the scenes to ensure that WP have a good season. It’s been a turbulent season for the union but I think last Saturday’s success was a sign that WP’s rugby is still healthy and on the right track,” Dobson continued, as quoted by Netwerk24.
“Just go and look at the ages of some of the guys who made breakthroughs at senior level this year. Cobus Wiese and Damian Willemse are only 19 years old...”