Springbok maestro Cheslin Kolbe is officially returning to Cape Town next season to join forces with Siya Kolisi and the Stormers. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
The Stormers’ Project 2029 received another major boost on Monday with confirmation that Springbok superstar Cheslin Kolbe will return to Cape Town next season, reuniting with Bok skipper Siya Kolisi as the franchise attempts to build a squad capable of dominating both locally and abroad.
Kolbe’s homecoming comes on the back of yet another milestone in his glittering career after the double World Cup winner finished as the leading points scorer in Japan Rugby League One this season. The electric utility-back edged Black Rams Tokyo flyhalf Ichigo Nakakusu by a single point after he finished the regular season with 185 points from just 16 appearances, including nine tries, 40 conversions and 20 penalties.
The achievement once again highlighted the remarkable versatility of the 32-year-old, whose goal-kicking has become an increasingly valuable part of his game alongside his devastating attacking ability.
His return to Cape Town is about far more than a marquee signing. It is another statement of intent from a union determined to lure some of South African rugby’s biggest names back home while surrounding its next generation with proven winners and global stars.
While Kolbe and Kolisi became household names together in Springbok colours, their Stormers journeys barely overlapped before both launched hugely successful overseas careers. Now, two of the country’s most influential rugby figures are set to combine in Cape Town during what the franchise hopes will become a defining new era.
Kolbe earned 49 caps for the Stormers before leaving for Europe and later Japan, where he cemented his reputation as one of world rugby’s most dangerous attacking players. Since making his Springbok debut in 2018, the Brackenfell High School product has become one of the defining players of the modern era, famously scoring in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final before helping the Springboks defend their title in France four years later.
Stormers director of rugby John Dobson described Kolbe’s return as a massive moment for both the team and the broader vision behind Project 2029.
“Cheslin is a son of this community and has remained a staunch DHL Stormers fan his whole life. He gives such hope and inspira tion to our fans, so to have him back in our club colours is huge,” said Dobson.
Dobson believes Kolbe’s influence will stretch beyond his electric performances on the field.
“We feel in Siya Kolisi and Cheslin we now have two iconic 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,” he said.
Kolbe said returning to Cape Town had always been part of his long-term plans.
“When I left, it was always with the hope that one day I would come back home and represent this team again. To have that opportunity now means a huge amount to my family and I,” he said.
The 32-year-old added that the club’s long-term vision played a major role in convincing him to return.
“Project 2029 is a big vision and something I really believe in. There is a lot of talent here, a strong culture and a clear plan for what this team can become.I want to contribute wherever I can, on and off the field, and help create more special moments for the people of Cape Town,” he added.