“Not A Galactico Signing” — Dobson On Kolbe’s Homecoming

The return of Cheslin Kolbe to the Stormers has sparked enormous excitement in Cape Town, with director of rugby John Dobson and prop Neethling Fouche both highlighting the sacrifice, loyalty and ambition behind the move.

The world-class winger began his professional career with the Stormers before enjoying successful spells in France with RC Toulon and Stade Toulousain, prior to moving to Japan to join Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath.

Speaking about Kolbe’s long-awaited return, Dobson revealed that there had been several previous attempts to bring the Springbok superstar back to the Cape.

“It’s been about four false starts over the years,” Dobson explained.

“He was desperate to come back. He committed to coming back — this is not a Galactico signing — he really wanted to come back to Cape Town to play for the Stormers.”

Dobson stressed that Kolbe’s decision was driven by passion rather than finances, revealing that the winger turned down significantly bigger offers elsewhere.

“He has made a commercial sacrifice, which was appreciated by the team and shows his commitment to the team,” Dobson said.

“He would earn multiples of what he is earning now if he stayed in Japan. He would earn several times more if he moved to another franchise on a purely commercial basis.”

For Dobson, Kolbe’s return is about far more than just star power. While acknowledging the two-time Rugby World Cup winner’s ability to change games, the Stormers coach also pointed to the veteran’s professionalism and influence on younger players.

“We all know the X-factor,” said Dobson.

“We are a transition-based team, and we have probably lacked a bit of strike power, so he solves that.

“There is also the element of what he brings to the project and to the city, and people wanting to come and watch him.”

Beyond what Kolbe offers on the field, Dobson believes his presence will elevate the entire Stormers environment.

“Can you imagine what it would mean for a Josh Boulle, Markus Muller or JC Mars to be playing alongside him?” Dobson asked.

“He is such a good professional. It’s going to be brilliant.”

“It’s really good news, and a lot of credit must go to Cheslin for making this happen. He had to do a lot of heavy lifting. He was under contract. He had to sacrifice financially. I know he wanted to be here.”

Dobson also dismissed any notion that Kolbe’s return is linked to winding down his career.

“This is a guy who will be playing for us in 2029,” he said.

“He is a prime athlete. It’s not a retirement thing; he wants to win trophies. He is so excited.”

The Stormers have also secured the return of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, while Wilco Louw is another major homecoming that has boosted morale within the squad.

“I am aware that people will say we have Siya and Cheslin, but those are sons of the Stormers who will make fantastic contributions to this project and who have all made sacrifices.”

Dobson admitted there is growing interest from former players wanting to return to Cape Town, but stressed the importance of balancing marquee signings with long-term sustainability.

“We do have to draw a line,” he said. “There are a lot of enquiries from guys who have both played for us and never played for us who want to return.

“It’s a balance between having marquee players and strengthening the local ecosystem. You don’t want the ecosystem to crumble.”

Fouche echoed Dobson’s sentiments, saying the squad views the returning Springboks not as outsiders, but as family members coming home.

“It’s a feeling of excitement,” said Fouche. “We are not bringing back guys who have never been here. They are boys who have been here before, even before me.

“If you think about the Stormers, you think about Siya and Chezzy. Wilkie comes from here, and his farm is not far from here.”

Fouche added that the returning stars still carry a deep emotional connection to the club and culture they helped build.

“They went away with the Stormers’ blessing, but their desire to come back also shows loyalty from those guys,” he said.

“They want to come back, but they also want to give back.

“These guys paid their dues long ago and have remained part of the Stormers family.”

The experienced prop believes the biggest beneficiaries could ultimately be the younger players coming through the system.

“There are lots of young guys who will learn so much from them,” Fouche added.

“Chezzy is one of us and has always supported us from afar. It will be great to learn from guys who have perfected their craft.”