Cheslin Kolbe is reportedly on the verge of a sensational return to the Stormers.
According to Rapport, the double World Cup-winning Springbok wing is expected to join the Cape club by 1 July as part of their ambitious “Project 2029”.
The deal is understood to have required a major financial push involving the Stormers, Roc Nation Sports, a third-party backer identified as international betting company SportyBet, as well as assistance from SA Rugby through its Poni (player of national interest) funding structure.
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Kolbe only recently extended his contract with the Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath until the end of the 2026-27 season, meaning the Stormers reportedly needed outside help to buy the 32-year-old out of his Japanese deal.
“It’s definitely very, very close,” a source told Rapport.
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The move would hand the Stormers a massive boost out wide after losing out on Dylan Maart, who is set to join the Bulls from Griquas after the Currie Cup.
Kolbe last played for the Stormers in 2017 before successful spells with Toulouse and Toulon. He has been playing in Japan since 2023.
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