John Dobson blasts social media trolls as Salmaan Moerat earns Bok recall

The lock was named in Rassie Erasmus' Bok squad set for duty in the second leg of the Nations Championship. Moerat last ran out in the green and gold in July 2025, captaining the side to a 45-0 victory.

But a string of injuries interrupted his career, leading to severe criticism from fans who questioned what value he was bringing to the national strip and even the Stormers.

This contributed to a move away from Cape Town, with Moerat taking up an offer from La Rochelle in the off-season. The 28-year-old has featured twice for the French giants this month and Erasmus - who is down two locks in Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman - has clearly seen enough.

Speaking to the press after the Stormers team release, Dobson revealed that the heat coming from so-called fans on social media was outrageous.

"He would be absolutely thrilled to get away from what was said about him on social media," said Dobson of his 2022 club captain who helped him to a URC title.

"That's one of the reasons why he is not here anymore. That's the achievement and objective of some people: to destroy Salmaan or Vernon Paulo or Warrick Gelant.

"I am absolutely thrilled for Salmaan, and I'm pleased he went to La Rochelle because the narrative around him was crazy.

"The guy wrote cheques with this team that his body struggled to cash; such was his physicality. I am absolutely thrilled he is back in the Springbok team. I'm sorry he had to go to La Rochelle to get himself in the right headspace.

"Even some of the things people say about Siya Kolisi, you work with them, and you realise this is a generational leader and contributor to our country.

"I'm very pleased for Salmaan because one of the risks of going overseas is that you can fall out of the Springbok group, so credit to the Springboks for showing their faith in him."

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