Kolisi Set for Stormers Return

Christmas came early for Stormers fans as Cape Town prepares to welcome home one of its most iconic sons, with two-time World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siya Kolisi set to return to Stormers Rugby at the conclusion of the season.

Kolisi will make his much-anticipated comeback in July 2026, taking on a key mentorship role as the Stormers continue to build depth, leadership and maturity within the squad as part of Project 2029.

The move will see Kolisi return to the city where his professional career began after leaving school, while also allowing him to be closer to his family and make a meaningful contribution to the team that shaped him.

An experienced leader on and off the field, Kolisi joins a proud tradition of players returning to Cape Town to add value beyond matchday, strengthening the Stormers’ culture and long-term vision.

Kolisi’s professional journey started in Cape Town in 2012, and he is now poised to add to his impressive tally of 118 DHL Stormers caps. He was appointed Stormers captain in 2017, before taking on the national captaincy a year later and leading South Africa to Rugby World Cup glory in 2019 and again in 2023.

Stormers Rugby CEO Johan le Roux said the club is thrilled to welcome Kolisi back.

“Siya is a national icon who has such a strong connection to our team and our supporters. He is also a family man who wants to be there for his children as much as possible.

“These are values that resonate with our club and given the significance of our heritage in defining where we want to go, we are very happy to welcome Siya back to hopefully see out his career in the jersey he wore when it started.”

Kolisi described the return as a special moment for both himself and his family.

“I have such incredible memories of my time at the DHL Stormers, the way I was embraced by the fans in my formative years has never left me.

“My family is in Cape Town and it is important to me to be close to them. This move gives me the chance to do that while also giving back to the team and fans who made such a big contribution to the player and person I am today.

“I am looking forward to contributing in any way I can to the future success and happiness of this special club and its incredible supporters,” he via the Stormers website said.

Director of Rugby John Dobson believes Kolisi’s impact will extend far beyond his performances on the pitch.

“We are very aware of the load that he has carried professionally and personally over the last few years, but what is so encouraging is the way that he has bought into helping us reach the goals we have set for ourselves in developing our squad as we build towards Project 2029,” he said.

For Stormers supporters, Kolisi’s return is more than just a signing,  it’s a homecoming that feels like a festive gift, arriving well ahead of schedule.