Two-time Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is set to make a highly anticipated return to Cape Town-based DHL Stormers at the end of the current season.
Kolisi is currently on the books of the HollywoodBets Sharks in Durban, a side he joined after returning to South Africa from French club Racing 92 in September 2024.
In a statement, the Stormers confirmed that Kolisi will rejoin the franchise in July 2026, where he is expected to play a pivotal mentoring role as part of Project 2029, the club’s long-term plan to strengthen squad depth, leadership and maturity.
The move will also allow Kolisi to be closer to his family while making a meaningful contribution to the team where his professional rugby journey began shortly after leaving school.
“The iconic leader’s professional career started in Cape Town, and he is now poised to add to his existing 118 DHL Stormers caps,” the club said.
“After making his debut in 2012, Kolisi was appointed Stormers captain in 2017 before assuming the same role for the national team a year later. He went on to lift the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and again in 2023.”
Stormers Rugby CEO Johan le Roux described Kolisi’s return as a moment of great significance for the franchise.
“Siya is a national icon with a deep connection to our team and supporters. He is also a family man who wants to be present for his children as much as possible,” le Roux said.
“These are values that resonate strongly with our club, and given the importance of our heritage in shaping where we want to go, we are delighted to welcome Siya back in the hope that he will finish his career in the jersey where it all began.”
Kolisi said returning to Cape Town carries both personal and professional meaning.
“I have incredible memories of my time at the DHL Stormers, and the way the fans embraced me during my formative years has never left me,” he said.
“My family is in Cape Town, and being close to them is very important to me. This move allows me to do that while also giving back to the team and supporters who played such a big role in shaping me as a player and as a person.”
“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,” Kolisi added.
Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson said Kolisi’s influence will extend far beyond the field.
“We have an outstanding group of loose forwards and some exceptional young leaders, including the last three Junior Springbok captains,” Dobson said.
“Siya brings a level of experience, perspective, and inspiration that no other player can. His presence will be invaluable in mentoring the next generation, given what he has achieved and what he represents to South Africans and especially to our supporters.”
