The confirmation of Cheslin Kolbe, Siya Kolisi and Wilco Louw returning to Cape Town for next season is set to completely reshape the ceiling for John Dobson’s Stormers squad.
Adding that level of quality and Test-match steel seriously bolsters an already formidable squad, especially considering reported target Tomás Lavanini is expected to bring further enforcer energy from Argentina.
Stormers could field a team filled almost entirely with internationals
Looking ahead to next season, this is how the Stormers could line up, and there could even be more signings to come.
Stormers: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Siya Kolisi (rotating with Paul de Villiers), 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Tomás Lavanini, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Kolbe commits to ‘Project 2029’
Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson said that bringing Kolbe home next season is a massive coup for the franchise
“Cheslin is a son of this community and has remained a staunch Stormers fan his whole life. He gives such hope and inspiration to our fans, so to have him back in our club colours is huge.
“As a player, he can do things on the field that nobody else can. Beyond that, his attitude and work ethic are second to none, and his presence in the squad is sure to lift everyone around him,” he said.
Dobson added that Kolbe’s addition to the squad is another important step forward for Project 2029.
“Cheslin will play an invaluable role for us both on and off the field as we continue to develop our squad. He will be 35 in 2029 and beyond the obvious strike power he will offer, he will also provide the ideal example for the young talent coming through in terms of his discipline, conditioning, versatility and work ethic.
“We have had several top South African players express interest in joining us, but we feel in Siya Kolisi and Cheslin we now have two iconic Stormers returning who will play an influential role in the careers of some of the emerging talent with their experience, professionalism and passion for the club.
“We saw Cheslin do some incredible things in a Stormers jersey early in his career, and we know that there will be many more magical moments for our fans to celebrate. We can’t wait to welcome him home,” he added.
