Cheslin Kolbe's anticipated return to the DHL Stormers from the start of next season will address a key deficiency in the Cape side's attacking arsenal. The 32-year-old speedster is understood to have finalised his homecoming over the weekend, with the deal brokered through the combined efforts of the Stormers, Roc Nations Sports and a third party identified as an international sports betting company believed to be Sportybet. SA Rugby's PONI funding structure is also assisting in making the acquisition financially viable.
Kolbe's return forms part of director of rugby John Dobson's Project 2029, which has already secured contract extensions for Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Paul de Villiers, Wandisile Simelane, André-Hugo Venter and Jurie Matthee. The Springbok wing will join Siya Kolisi and Wilco Louw as high-profile returnees to the franchise. Kolbe left for France before earning Bok honours, whilst Kolisi departed for the Hollywoodbets Sharks in 2021 after more than 100 appearances for the Stormers.
The move will bolster backline stocks that have relied heavily on Leolin Zas and Suleiman Hartzenberg this season. The Stormers had pursued Dylan Maart following his loan stint earlier in the campaign, but the Griquas wing opted for the Bulls on a two-year deal. Kolbe's arrival will provide the pacy strike power out wide that has been notably absent from the Stormers' game model this term.