The Stormers are preparing for an exciting new chapter after welcoming back three established Springbok stars, while also securing the long-term future of one of South Africa’s brightest young talents.
Siya Kolisi, Cheslin Kolbe and Wilco Louw have all joined the Cape Town-based side following spells with the Sharks, Tokyo Sungoliath and the Bulls respectively.
The Stormers have also signed 21-year-old Haashim Pead on a four-year contract, adding another promising piece to their long-term plans.
Kolisi, Kolbe and Louw return to Cape Town
The return of the three Springboks has generated plenty of excitement within the Stormers camp.
All three have strong links to the franchise, making their arrivals more than just high-profile signings.
Director of Rugby John Dobson described the moves as a genuine homecoming and highlighted the players’ commitment to the Stormers.
The trio were offered a week away from rugby next month but chose to remain available, something Dobson viewed as a positive indication of their commitment to the team.
“They are all multiple season Stormers. So there’s a sense of a homecoming,” Dobson said.
Siya Kolisi adds leadership and versatility
Double Rugby World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi brings enormous experience and leadership to the Stormers back row.
Dobson believes the 34-year-old’s physical development has opened up even more possibilities regarding where he can be deployed.
Kolisi could feature at No 6, but Dobson also sees him as an option at openside flanker or No 8.
His arrival also adds another experienced Springbok to a back-row group that includes Deon Fourie and Paul de Villiers.
Wilco Louw brings front-row power
Tighthead prop Wilco Louw arrives after a strong spell with the Bulls and an impressive run on the international stage.
Louw started all four Tests in South Africa’s recent series against New Zealand, further underlining the experience he brings to the Stormers pack.
Dobson believes the prop’s performances at international level demonstrate just how significant an addition he can be.
“Just seeing the damage he is doing on the world stage now, he’s a massive acquisition for us,” Dobson said.
Cheslin Kolbe’s return will have to wait
Cheslin Kolbe is another major addition, although Stormers supporters will have to wait before seeing him in action.
The experienced Springbok winger suffered a broken jaw against New Zealand in Johannesburg and is expected to miss the Stormers’ October fixtures.
Kolbe recently reached the 50-Test milestone and remains an important figure for both the Stormers and the wider South African rugby community.
Dobson admitted his absence is a setback, particularly with the Stormers having experienced limited depth on the wings over the past couple of seasons.
However, the coach remains focused on the long season ahead once Kolbe returns.
Stormers secure Haashim Pead’s future
Alongside the high-profile Springbok arrivals, the Stormers have also made an important investment in their future.
Haashim Pead has signed a four-year deal after establishing himself as one of the country’s most promising young players.
The 21-year-old was named Player of the Tournament at the 2025 World Rugby Junior World Championship and has already been exposed to the senior international setup.
Pead was called into a Springbok alignment camp and also represented South Africa A against Zimbabwe earlier this season.
Dobson believes the local talent is ideally suited to the Stormers’ long-term vision.
“Haashim is a rising star and as a local lad who fits our game model perfectly, it made sense on every level for us to bring him back to Cape Town,” he said.
Stormers building around people as well as players
Stormers captain Ruhan Nel believes the impact of the returning stars will extend beyond what they produce on the rugby field.
Nel highlighted the character of Kolbe, Kolisi and Louw and suggested their influence within the playing environment could be just as important as their performances.
The Stormers are therefore adding more than experience and physical quality to their squad.
They are bringing back three proven Springboks while developing a young player who has already attracted attention at international level.
For a team looking toward its long-term Project 2029 ambitions, it represents a significant statement of intent.
With Kolisi, Kolbe and Louw back in the Stormers setup, how far can this squad go?
