Springboks Star Earns Praise After Rassie Erasmus Hands Him Recall Despite Criticism From Mzansi
- Stormers director of rugby John Dobson spoke out in support of lock Salmaan Moerat after the player's recall to the Springbok squad
- Dobson revealed that social media criticism played a role in Moerat's decision to join French club La Rochelle last season
- Moerat, who has 11 Springbok caps, could make his first appearance for South Africa this year in the Nations Championship
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Stormers director of rugby John Dobson has publicly backed Salmaan Moerat following the lock's recall to the Springbok squad for the second leg of the Nations Championship, suggesting the 28-year-old's move to France was partly driven by the severity of online criticism directed at him in South Africa.
Dobson addressed reporters on Wednesday after announcing the Stormers squad to face Ulster at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
Dobson Defends Moerat's Exit to La Rochelle
Moerat departed the Stormers last season and has featured for La Rochelle for just 94 minutes since his arrival at the French club. Dobson expressed relief that the player had found the space to reset.
"I think he'd be absolutely thrilled to be away from what's been said about him on social media, which is one of the reasons he's not here anymore," Dobson told reporters.
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He added that a pattern of targeted criticism had followed several players. "That's the object for some people: to destroy a Salmaan, or a Vernon Paulo or a Warrick Gelant. I'm thrilled for Salmaan, and pleased he went to La Rochelle because the narrative around him was crazy."
Dobson also pointed to similar treatment of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, saying those who work alongside such players come to appreciate how much they have contributed to the country.
Moerat's Springbok Journey
Moerat, the 66th player to captain the Springboks, made his Test debut against Wales in 2022 and last wore the green and gold in a match against Italy in July 2025. With 11 caps to his name, he is now in line for his first Springbok appearance of the current year.
His career has been interrupted by a serious knee injury in 2023 and a toe problem last year that required surgery. Despite those setbacks, Dobson praised Moerat's contribution to the Stormers, including his role in the club's 2021-22 United Rugby Championship title win.
"[Moerat is] a guy who wrote cheques with this team that his body struggled to cash, such was his physicality as a leader," Dobson said.
The Stormers coach also praised the Springbok selectors for standing by the lock. "One of the risks of going overseas is that you fall off the Springbok radar so again, credit to the Springboks for showing their faith in him."
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Source: Briefly News
