Kolbe Injury Return Date Confirmed By Stormers Coach

Stormers director of rugby John Dobson has confirmed that Cheslin Kolbe is expected to return to action at the beginning of December. The timeline rules the Springbok winger out of the national team’s end-of-year tour but offers the Cape side a major boost ahead of their festive-season Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) fixtures.

Kolbe’s agent at Roc Nation Sports indicated that the World Cup-winning Springbok would only return in December, with Dobson confirming that the winger is on track to become available for the Stormers from the start of the month.

Kolbe broke his jaw during South Africa’s 29-24 victory over the All Blacks at FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday, 5 September. The injury occurred in the ninth minute of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry clash.

As a result, he is set to miss the Springboks’ Nations Championship fixtures against Italy on 7 November, France on 13 November and Ireland on 21 November.

While his absence will be felt by the Springboks during their northern hemisphere tour, the Stormers are looking forward to welcoming one of South Africa’s most dangerous attacking players back into their ranks.

Although Kolbe remains sidelined, Dobson revealed that the experienced winger has continued to play an active role within the team environment, attending meetings and remaining involved with the Stormers setup.

“Cheslin will not make the Springbok tour, but he is available for us from the start of December,” Dobson said.

“He is attending team meetings; he is so involved. We can’t wait to have him, so there is a silver lining in it. I am sure the Springboks are going to miss him on the end-of-year tour.”

Dobson also highlighted the positive side of Kolbe’s enforced break from competitive rugby, suggesting that the time away from the field has allowed the winger to rest and prepare for his eventual return.

“At least he has got his rest, and he is ready to go, so he is very excited by that,” Dobson added.

Kolbe is not the only player Dobson has provided an update on, with flyhalf Jurie Matthee also working towards a return to action.

Dobson confirmed that Matthee is expected to be available for the Stormers’ clash against the Sharks in December. His recovery schedule points to a return to playing shortly after the team’s November break.

“He will be back for the Sharks game in December. He is basically scheduled to return to play when we are off in the middle of November. So he’s got a couple of weeks, and then he is back,” Dobson said.

Matthee’s anticipated return will give the Stormers another option as they approach a busy period of fixtures. His availability could prove valuable as the Cape side looks to build momentum and maintain consistency throughout the season.

Meanwhile, Stormers wingers Leolin Zas and Seabelo Senatla have been in red-hot form. Kolbe’s anticipated return will give Dobson a formidable array of attacking options and create the kind of selection headache every coach would welcome.