Cheslin Kolbe is set to return to the Stormers in a complex multi-party deal that brings the two-time World Cup winner back to Cape Town by 1 July
While an official announcement is expected once Kolbe completes his Top League commitments with Suntory, reputable newspaper Rapport reports the 32-year-old will link up with the Cape side by 1 July as part of director of rugby John Dobson’s long-term “Project 2029” blueprint.
HOW THE STORMERS LANDED KOLBE
The Stormers needed a major financial push involving four separate parties just to land their man.
The deal required a significant team effort to get across the line. The Stormers, Kolbe’s agency Roc Nation Sports, international betting platform SportyBet as a third-party backer, and SA Rugby’s Players of National Interest funding structure all played a role in making the move possible.
Kolbe had only recently extended his contract with Japanese club Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath until the end of the 2026/27 season. The Stormers needed outside financial support to buy him out of that deal.
“It’s definitely very, very close,” a reliable source told Rapport.
PROJECT 2029 IS TAKING SHAPE
The signing gives Dobson’s side a major boost out wide. The Stormers lost out on Dylan Maart, who moves to the Bulls from Griquas after the Currie Cup. Leolin Zas and Suleiman Hartzenberg have filled the wing positions for most of the current season.
Kolbe is the third high-profile Test player set to arrive at the Stormers in July. Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has already left the Sharks to join the Cape side, while powerful Bulls tighthead prop Wilco Louw completes his URC commitments before heading south.
Dobson has spoken openly in recent months about wanting Kolbe as part of Project 2029, having already tied down Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Paul de Villiers, André-Hugo Venter, Olly Reid and Jurie Matthee to long-term deals.
KOLBE’S IN TOP FORM AT THE MOMENT
Kolbe last wore Stormers colours in 2017 before moving to Toulouse, where he won the Champions Cup and two Top 14 titles. He joined Toulon in 2021, helping them claim the 2023 European Challenge Cup, before switching to Japan two years later.
He returns in outstanding form. Kolbe leads the Japanese Top League scoring charts with 205 points and has also covered the most metres as a ball-carrier, with 1,356. His 23 clean breaks are joint best in the competition.
