Dobson would like Fleck to stay at WP Rugby

Cape Town - John Dobson, the man who will take over from Robbie Fleck as Stormers coach next season, says he would like for the latter to stay on at the union.

It was confirmed earlier this month that Dobson will be the Stormers' head coach in 2020, replacing Fleck whose contract expires on October 31 this year.

Dobson, currently a Stormers assistant coach, told reporters at WP Rugby's High Performance Centre in Bellville on Monday that losing Fleck would be a blow to the union.

"If you lose 20 years of IP (intellectual property) of knowing this region, it would be sad. If Fleckie stayed on I would be delighted because technically he is absolutely superb and he knows every inch of this union," Dobson said, as quoted bySuperSport.com.

"My relationship with Fleckie goes back far, so there is such a level of understanding... if he was in this building next year, I would be delighted. He has helped in Currie Cups, I have helped in Super Rugby. I would love him to stay on," Dobson said.

Fleck added: "I love this union. I have been working here for 20 years, 10 years as a player and 10 as a coach. My loyalty speaks for itself and that hasn't disappeared at all."

The Stormers are next in action when they host the Jaguares at Newlands on Friday (kick-off 19:10).