Stormers news: Springbok legend Cheslin Kolbe returns to Cape Town for the 2026-27 season
Current Springbok wing and legend Cheslin Kolbe is set to return to the Stormers for the 2026-27 season after a three-year stint with Japanese club Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath.
Kolbe will reintegrate with the Cape Town franchise on July 1, with details surrounding his contract length still unknown.
Securing the signature of the double-World Cup winner forms part of a wider plan penned ‘Project 2029’.
A promising future
The plan aims to bring back former pillars of Stormers rugby plying their trade around the world - those that have gone on to achieve greater heights since leaving the Mother City.
But home is where the heart is for those that were given their big breaks in professional rugby by the famed franchise.
The Stormers have already confirmed the returns of Springbok captain and icon Siya Kolisi, as well as mammoth tighthead prop Wilco Louw.
Youth remains an investment for the Cape franchise though, with 18-year-old sensation Markus Muller set to feature in his first full season, after previously debuting against Glasgow Warriors on April 25.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Premier League GW38 reaction: Tottenham stay up after win v feeble Everton; West Ham relegated
Dobson: Kolbe brings ‘hope and inspiration’
Stormers director of rugby John Dobson lauded Kolbe’s return and unrivaled influence and experience he’ll bring to his team.
“Cheslin is a son of this community and has remained a staunch DHL Stormers fan his whole life,” Dobson said, quoted on the official Stormers Rugby website.
“He gives such hope and inspiration to our fans, so to have him back in our club colours is huge.
“As a player, he can do things on the field that nobody else can. Beyond that, his attitude and work ethic are second to none, and his presence in the squad is sure to lift everyone around him,” he added.
A peerless impact
“Cheslin will play an invaluable role for us both on and off the field as we continue to develop our squad,” Dobson continued, regarding the wonder winger.
“He will be 35 in 2029 and beyond the obvious strike power he will offer, he will also provide the ideal example for the young talent coming through in terms of his discipline, conditioning, versatility and work ethic.
“We have had several top South African players express interest in joining us, but we feel in Siya Kolisi and Cheslin we now have two iconic DHL Stormers returning who will play an influential role in the careers of some of the emerging talent with their experience, professionalism and passion for the club.
A magic player
“We saw Cheslin do some incredible things in a DHL Stormers jersey early in his career, and we know that there will be many more magical moments for our fans to celebrate.
“We can’t wait to welcome him home,” Dobson concluded.
READ NEXT: NBA playoffs news: Victor Wembanyama’s superior play keeps San Antonio Spurs in fight v OKC Thunder
