Dobson Chuffed At Kolisi Reunion

DHL Stormers director of rugby John Dobson has expressed his delight at the return of two-time Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, describing his homecoming as a major boost for the Cape Town-based franchise.

Kolisi will make his return in July 2026 and fulfill a crucial role mentoring the next generation as the club continues to build the squad’s depth and maturity as part of Project 2029.

Having announced the extension of international superstar Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu a few days ago, news of the acquisition of the iconic Springbok captain will give the Cape club a massive boost. 

Kolisi, a veteran of 100 Tests and one of only two captains in rugby history to win back-to-back World Cups, will share his immense experience and leadership qualities with a group brimming with talent. 

With Kolisi’s contribution going far beyond what happens on match day, Dobson said that Kolisi will add value to the squad in ways that no other player could.

“We have got an outstanding crop of loose forwards in our squad and several powerful young leaders, with the last three Junior Springbok captains all on our books,” he said.

“Siya will be able to help develop these players and mentor them in a way that nobody else could, given what he has achieved and what he represents to all South Africans and especially our fans.

“We are very aware of the load that he has carried professionally and personally over the last few years, but what is so encouraging is the way that he has bought into helping us reach the goals we have set for ourselves in developing our squad as we build towards Project 2029.”

The experienced Kolisi will not be the first or the last player to return to Cape Town – with Springbok prop Wilco Louw also set to return – and add significant value both on and off the pitch, as the club continues to strengthen its resources.

The iconic leader’s professional rugby journey started in Cape Town after he left school, and he is now poised to add to his 118 DHL Stormers caps, which he made between 2012 and 2020.

Having made his debut in 2012, Kolisi was appointed captain in 2017 before taking up the same position for the national team the following year. He went on to lift the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and in 2023.

The Springbok captain has a strong desire to return to where his professional rugby career started and be closer to his family, and he is set to add immense value to the DHL Stormers set-up, both through his on-field talents and the mentorship role he will offer to those around him.

Kolisi said that returning to Cape Town is a significant moment for him and his family.

“I have such incredible memories of my time at the DHL Stormers, the way I was embraced by the fans in my formative years has never left me,” Kolisi reflected. 

“My family is in Cape Town, and it is important to me to be close to them. This move gives me the chance to do that while also giving back to the team and fans who made such a big contribution to the player and person I am today.

“I am looking forward to contributing in any way I can to the future success and happiness of this special club and its incredible supporters.”

Kolisi is joining a Stormers side that has made an incredible start this season, winning all nine matches in all competitions this season.