Springbok winger Cheslin Kolbe last played for the Stormers in 2017.
Image: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Cheslin Kolbe is coming home to the Stormers.
According to the Afrikaans publication Rapport, it is understood that the Springbok winger is set to leave his Japanese club, Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath.
This comes as a major surprise after the two-time World Cup winner only recently extended his contract with the Japanese club until the end of the 2026/27 season.
But it is understood that Roc Nation — the American, Jay-Z-owned agency that supports Kolbe —had a major role in getting the deal over the line. They were assisted by a third-party backer, the international sports betting company SportyBet, as well as SA Rugby through its Poni (Player of National Interest) funding scheme.
Kolbe, 32, last played for his home union, the Stormers, back in 2017, before having spells in France with Toulouse and Toulon.
He has been in Japan since 2023.
Kolbe had already been linked with a move back to Cape Town in 2022, with Roc Nation Sports President Michael Yormark confirming that they were in talks with the Stormers.
At the time, the Stormers offered R55 million to get the deal over the line.
However, reports emerged that Kolbe’s wife, Layla, was concerned about returning to South Africa due to the country's “safety and security” situation.
Yormark claimed it was natural for the Kolbes to discuss safety, as “it was a reality of this world”.
The Springbok winger ultimately remained in France before moving to Japan, where he has been for the last three years.
Kolbe will be joining his Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who is also set for an emotional return to Cape Town next season.