Damian de Allende is being linked with a return to the Stormers, according to Rapport, with a source close to the situation indicating that the 34-year-old centre is considering coming back to South Africa in 2027. De Allende left the Stormers in 2019 and has since had stints with Kintetsu Liners, Munster and the Panasonic Wild Knights, where he has been based since 2022. Rapport notes that no formal talks have begun between the parties.
Should the move materialise, De Allende would join Cheslin Kolbe, Siya Kolisi and loosehead Wilco Louw in a growing wave of returning Springboks committing to the Stormers ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. Stormers CEO Johan le Roux has pointed to the commercial dimension of the recruitment drive, noting that sponsors are excited by the calibre of players coming in and the global attention they attract.
Elsewhere, speculation linking Eben Etzebeth to a Stormers move has been met with a firm response from the Sharks, who are clear that he remains contracted to them until June 2027 and will not be released before that deal runs its course.
On the Fehi Fineanganofo situation, Newcastle Red Bulls and the Hurricanes have both pushed back on reports that New Zealand Rugby blocked the wing's move to the English Premiership side. Newcastle sporting general director Neil McIlroy confirmed the 23-year-old will honour his contract with the club, a position Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw says aligns with his own understanding of the matter.