The moment Cheslin Kolbe ‘realised’ he had to return to the Stormers: ‘I tried to return a year or two ago’
Springboks winger Cheslin Kolbe and an inset of him playing for the Stormers.
Cheslin Kolbe has revealed the moment he knew he had to return to South Africa and rejoin the Stormers after nearly a decade abroad.
The 32-year-old left Cape Town back in 2017 having yet to play for the Boks, signing with French giants Toulouse. He enjoyed a stunning stint at the club, winning three Top 14 titles and an Investec Champions Cup whilst also earning a Springboks debut under Rassie Erasmus.
The winger has since become a crucial cog in the Boks’ set-up, winning back-to-back Rugby World Cups and a British and Irish Lions Series in between while enjoying stints at RC Toulon and most recently Sungoliath Tokyo.
The sacrifice Cheslin Kolbe knew he had to make
However, he has returned to South African shores after signing a deal with the Stormers through to the end of 2029, rejoining the team where it all started for the world-class winger.
According to reports, a third-party betting company played a role in helping secure Kolbe’s return to Cape Town, with SA Rugby also set to top up his Stormers’ salary through the PONI [Player of National Interest] scheme. Still, director of rugby John Dobson explained that the winger would still be making ‘financial sacrifices’.
“His commitment, he would earn multiples of what he is if he stayed in Japan; he’d earn several fold on a commercial basis if he went to another franchise,” Dobson explained.
Adding: “A lot of credit to Cheslin for making this happen because he had to do a lot of heavy lifting. He was under contract there; he had to make financial sacrifices. I know he wanted to be here.”
During the same press conference, Dobson said there were ‘about four false starts over the years‘ in getting Kolbe back into the blue and white hoops, something the winger confirmed as he revealed the reasonings for his homecoming were not financial.
“I’ve tried to return a year or two ago, but that didn’t work. So, I am just grateful that there was another opportunity to return home to South Africa, Cape Town, and the Stormers, where everything started for me,” Kolbe said in an interview with IOL Sport.
“Yes, the reason was to come back to play for the Stormers, where my rugby started. Hopefully, I can finish my career with the team as well. But the biggest part was for my wife and kids.”
While Kolbe turned out for Sungoliath in Japan, his family remained in Cape Town for much of his stint. The winger revealed that his son barely recognised him after one six-month stint away from his family and that was the final straw.
“Not being here with them, seeing them grow, was tough on us. Last year, I returned after six months of not seeing my children, Kylah, Mila and Cayden, and my boy almost didn’t recognise me,” he said.
“That made me realise it is time to come home and spend time with them.”
Cheslin Kolbe’s first words as sensational Stormers return confirmed
Springboks focus before second Stormers debut
Since his departure from the Stormers, the team has moved their home venue from Newlands to the Cape Town Stadium. While the experienced speedster is looking forward to making his debut at the ground in the blue and white hoops, his focus now is performing for the Springboks.
He enters the 2026 international season with 49 Test caps under his belt and has scored 21 tries, placing him joint-11th on the Springboks all-time leading try-scorers list with Pieter Rossouw.
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“I am really excited about pulling that Stormers jersey over my head and playing in front of the Cape supporters,” he said.
“I want to make a positive impact as a player and contribute wherever I can for the team. I play to enjoy the game and to give my best every time I run onto the field.
“I really can’t wait to run out for the first time at DHL Stadium. For now, though, it’s about making sure I do my best for the Springboks if I get that opportunity and taking things step by step. I don’t have to look too far ahead. For me, it’s all about taking the opportunities that await.”
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