Siya Kolisi set for emotional return to the Stormers
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi is poised to complete a fairytale return to the Stormers, with widespread reports confirming the loose forward will rejoin his boyhood club at the conclusion of the current United Rugby Championship (URC) season.
The move marks a significant homecoming for the two-time Rugby World Cup winner, who began his professional career in Cape Town and spent over a decade in the blue and white hoops before departing for the Sharks in 2021.
While official confirmation from the franchise is pending, it is understood that an agreement has been reached between all parties, facilitating Kolisi’s release from his Sharks contract a year early.
Springboks Captain Family factors drive the move
The decision appears to be motivated primarily by personal circumstances. Following his well-publicised separation from wife Rachel, Kolisi has reportedly expressed a strong desire to be based in Cape Town to remain close to his children.
The 34-year-old’s career trajectory has been turbulent in recent seasons. After leaving the Stormers in 2021, he spent two years in Durban before a high-profile move to French Top 14 giants Racing 92 after the 2023 World Cup. However, his stint in Paris was cut short after just one season, leading to a return to the Sharks in late 2024.
Now, less than six months into his second stint in Durban, Kolisi is set to head back to the Western Cape. It is believed the Springboks skipper was willing to take a pay cut to ensure the transfer adhered to the Stormers’ financial structures.
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Siya Kolisi Financial realities and the Red Disa era
The transfer landscape at the Stormers has shifted significantly since Kolisi last played at DHL Newlands. The franchise is now under the ownership of the Red Disa consortium, led by Johan le Roux, which has stabilised the union’s finances after a period of administration.
Le Roux and the Stormers leadership have been vocal about their prudent spending strategy, emphasising the development of local talent over signing marquee superstars. However, Kolisi represents a unique case—a player whose commercial value and leadership experience are arguably unmatched in world rugby.
Navigating the exit from the Sharks would have required delicate negotiation. The Durban franchise, backed by MVM Holdings and American lawyer Marco Masotti, reportedly paid a transfer fee in the region of R17 million to release Kolisi from his Racing 92 contract last year. Recouping value from that investment would have been a priority for the Sharks, though the human element regarding Kolisi’s family situation likely accelerated the resolution.
What this means for the Stormers
On the field, Kolisi’s return adds immense value to a Stormers pack that prides itself on dynamism and work rate. While he faces stiff competition from younger talents such as Paul de Villiers and Marcel Theunissen, Kolisi’s experience in high-pressure Test matches will be invaluable for Director of Rugby John Dobson.
Dobson has built a squad heavily reliant on a cohesive culture and “fighting for the jersey,” ethos that aligns perfectly with Kolisi’s leadership style.
For the Sharks, the departure will be a blow to their depth, but they remain well-stocked in the back row with the likes of Vincent Tshituka, Phepsi Buthelezi, and James Venter driving their challenge for silverware.
Kolisi is expected to see out the remainder of the 2025 season with the Sharks before making the permanent switch to Cape Town ahead of the 2026 campaign.
