The Stormers have expressed an interest in bringing Springboks hero Cheslin Kolbe back to Cape Town as part of their ‘Project 2029’.
The 31-year-old began his career at Western Province and then represented the Stormers for four years between 2013 and 2017.
Kolbe has plied his trade abroad since then, featuring for Toulouse and Toulon in the Top 14, while he is currently playing for Tokyo Sungoliath in Japan Rugby League One.
Ambitious Stormers
But Stormers head coach John Dobson has set his sights on re-signing the Springboks star as they look to become one of the best teams in the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup.
“Cheslin is someone we will definitely talk to. He is one of us. We believe he can fill a leadership role and play until 2029,” Dobson told Netwerk 24.
The Stormers’ decision to chase the speedster comes following the retirement of Steven Kitshoff and the injuries they have suffered to other leaders.
Deon Fourie and Frans Malherbe are among those to spend lengthy periods on the sidelines through injury, while captain Salmaan Moerat exited early in their URC quarter-final defeat to Glasgow Warriors, leaving them with a leadership void.
“It’s a big bite out of your leadership team, an area where we think Cheslin can make a big difference,” the Stormers boss said.
“On the field he is a leader in terms of standards, professionalism and detail. He is respected in every team he plays for.”
Siya Kolisi update
Dobson also discussed the rumours surrounding Springboks captain Siya Kolisi, who had been linked with a move to the Cape Town outfit earlier this year.
Kolisi only rejoined the Sharks ahead of the 2024/25 campaign following an ill-fated stint in France with Racing 92, but there were reports that the back-rower wished to leave the franchise for the Stormers.
However, Dobson has revealed that they will not be pursuing a deal for the Boks skipper, as well as two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit.
“I can’t see us recruiting many players who won’t still make a contribution in 2029,” he added. “Everyone’s legs have to last until then, because we’re going to get better and better.”
The Stormers are hoping to get to a stage where they can realistically challenge for more titles, having been trophyless since their URC success in 2022.
They also reached the final in 2023, losing to Munster, but two fifth-place finishes have followed since then, where they went out at the last-eight stage to Glasgow both times.
READ MORE: Siya Kolisi: Latest on Springboks captain’s Stormers return as Sharks throw spanner in the works
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/stormers-seek-cheslin-kolbe-deal-but-siya-kolisi-deal-off-as-concerns-expressed-over-springboks-captains-ability-to-stay-the-course
