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Kolbe returns to Stormers with trophy ambitions as Dobson assembles 2029 project
Cheslin Kolbe has confirmed his return to the DHL Stormers on a deal through to 2029, joining Siya Kolisi and Wilco Louw in a Cape Town recruitment drive aimed at silverware. Director of rugby John Dobson emphasised that the double World Cup winner has made commercial sacrifices to rejoin the franchise, dismissing suggestions of a retirement move. The signing forms part of Dobson's Project 2029, targeting Champions Cup success.
Kolbe confirms Stormers return through 2029 after Japan stint
Cheslin Kolbe has signed with the DHL Stormers through to the end of 2029, ending his spell in Japan and returning to the Cape Town franchise where he made 49 appearances earlier in his career. The double World Cup winner described the move as a homecoming and expressed his commitment to the club's Project 2029 vision.
Dobson: Kolbe returning to win trophies, not to wind down
John Dobson says Cheslin Kolbe has made a major financial sacrifice to return to the Stormers, motivated by winning trophies rather than winding down his career, while warning the franchise is close to its limit on high-profile signings.
How Kolbe, Kolisi and Louw reshape the Stormers' 2026/27 lineup
Planet Rugby projects the Stormers' 2026/27 starting lineup following the Kolbe, Kolisi, and Louw signings — a backline built for attacking flair around Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Willemse, with a power-focused pack that could get even stronger if Lavanini arrives.
Papier backs improved decision-making and kicking game for Springbok recall after eight-year absence
Embrose Papier has discussed the improvements in his decision-making, kicking and game management that earned him a place in the Springboks' second alignment camp — his first national involvement since 2018 — after a standout 2025/26 season with the Bulls.
Kolbe confirms Stormers return: 'It was always with the hope that one day I would come back home'
Cheslin Kolbe has signed with the Stormers through to 2029, returning from Japan to Cape Town in a deal linked to Roc Nation and SportyBet, joining fellow returnees Siya Kolisi and Wilco Louw at the franchise.
Kolbe set to rejoin Stormers in homecoming move from Suntory
Cheslin Kolbe is poised to return to the DHL Stormers from July, ending his stint with Suntory Sungoliath. The double World Cup winner's homecoming has been facilitated through combined efforts involving the Stormers, Roc Nations Sports and third-party backing, with SA Rugby's PONI funding also contributing to the deal.
Kolbe set to rejoin Stormers in homecoming deal from July
Cheslin Kolbe is poised to return to the DHL Stormers from 1 July after finalising a deal that will bring the double World Cup winner back to Cape Town from Suntory Sungoliath. The move, achieved through combined efforts involving the Stormers, Roc Nations Sports and third-party backing, will see Kolbe reunite with fellow returnee Siya Kolisi as part of the franchise's Project 2029.
Kolbe's homecoming fills the Stormers' most glaring gap — but this isn't a Galáctico pivot
Cheslin Kolbe's return to the Stormers fills a genuine tactical gap — pacy wide strike power — while Gavin Rich makes clear this is a family-and-PONI-driven recruitment model, not a Galáctico spending spree.
What Bordeaux's Champions Cup demolition of Leinster means for SA's URC finals hopes
Rich uses Bordeaux's physical demolition of Leinster as a lens on SA's URC finals prospects — arguing the Stormers cost themselves and their SA counterparts dearly by failing to secure second place, while flagging a scrumhalf depth problem that extends beyond the URC and straight into Erasmus's Bok planning.
Papier opens up on eight-year Bok exile and what earned him his alignment camp return
Embrose Papier has detailed the tactical and mental growth that earned him a place in the Springboks' second alignment camp after an eight-year absence from the national setup, with nine tries this season underlining the form that brought him back into Erasmus' thinking.
Barnes backs Borthwick on Janse van Rensburg — and says playing him against the Boks would have been madness
Barnes defends the Janse van Rensburg call, argues England's chronic 12 problem justifies the selection, and draws an unflattering comparison to Ireland's uncriticised recruitment of New Zealand-born players — while noting the eligibility date neatly sidesteps the most inflammatory scenario.
Collins refused to testify as Ntlabakanye faces Rugby World Cup exile
Former Lions team doctor Rob Collins declined on legal advice to testify at Asenathi Ntlabakanye's doping hearing, complicating the tighthead prop's defence. The independent panel imposed an 18-month ban running to November 13, 2027 — the day of the Rugby World Cup final — ruling Ntlabakanye out of the tournament. His camp is expected to decide next week whether to appeal to CAS.
Kolbe set for Stormers return from July 1 as Project 2029 takes shape
Cheslin Kolbe is reportedly set to return to the Stormers from July 1, with a multi-party funding arrangement — involving Roc Nations Sports, a third-party sponsor believed to be Sportybet, and SA Rugby's PONI structure — enabling his release from Suntory Sungoliath ahead of schedule.
Duarttee called up as Brown ruled out of Blitzboks' World Championship campaign
Ricardo Duarttee earns a late Blitzboks recall for the SVNS World Championship in Valladolid after Ronald Brown was ruled out injured.
Kolbe set for Stormers return from July 1 as Project 2029 takes shape
Cheslin Kolbe is reportedly set to return to the Stormers from Suntory Sungoliath on July 1, with the deal secured through a combination of Roc Nations Sports, a third-party sponsor and SA Rugby's PONI funding. He would join Siya Kolisi and Wilco Louw as high-profile Springbok returnees ahead of the 2026/27 season.
September pleased but pinpoints breakdown and discipline after Springbok Women's 64-5 win over Madagascar
Franzel September praised the Springbok Women's winning start in Kenya but flagged breakdown deficiencies and discipline lapses after their 64-5 victory over Madagascar, with Uganda next up on Wednesday.
Ox Nché joins Profmed as brand ambassador
Ox Nché has joined Profmed as a member in a new brand partnership.
Wessels wants World Rugby to pay schools for players lost overseas
SA Rugby's high-performance GM wants a Fifa-style system where World Rugby compensates local schools and academies for players they develop who are later recruited overseas — the full piece covers his argument.
Du Toit puts Springbok and Sharks thoughts on hold until Bath's Premiership campaign is done
Sharks-bound Thomas du Toit says all thoughts of his return to Durban and Springbok rugby are on hold while Bath chase the Premiership title.