Multi-Million Rand Corporate Alliance Bringing Kolbe Back To The Stormers
Cheslin Kolbe, the Springbok double Rugby World Cup winner, appears set for a sensational return to the Stormers.
According to Rapport, Kolbe is expected to return home from Japanese club Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath and join the Stormers from 1 July.
The move would represent a major coup for the Cape franchise, which is firmly focused on “Project 2029”.
Director of rugby John Dobson has hinted in recent months that the Stormers were working behind the scenes to secure Kolbe’s signature as efforts to bring him back to Cape Town gathered momentum.
The reported transfer also comes as something of a surprise, given that Kolbe only recently extended his contract with Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath until the end of the 2026/27 season.
It is understood that the deal was made possible through a collaborative effort involving the Stormers, Roc Nation Sports — the agency representing Kolbe — and a third party reportedly identified as international sports betting company SportyBet.
The Stormers are also believed to be relying on support from SA Rugby through the PONI (Players of National Interest) funding structure in their pursuit of one of world rugby’s biggest stars.
As part of Project 2029, the Stormers have already secured contract extensions for several key players, including Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Paul de Villiers, as they continue building a squad capable of competing at the highest level in both domestic and international competitions.
The potential signing of Kolbe would also provide a significant boost to the Stormers’ backline depth. The Cape side has faced challenges on the wing following Dylan Maart’s return to the Griquas during his loan spell before his subsequent move to the Vodacom Bulls, while Seabelo Senatla endured an injury-plagued campaign.
Kolbe, now 32, previously enjoyed highly successful spells in France with Toulouse and Toulon before moving to Japan after helping the Springboks win the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
If confirmed, Kolbe would become the third high-profile Springbok signing for the Stormers ahead of the 2026/27 season, following the arrivals of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi from the Sharks and tighthead prop Wilco Louw from the Vodacom Bulls.
