Cheslin Kolbe looks set to remain in Japan despite the Stormers openly admitting their desire for the Springboks winger to return to Cape Town.<\/p>\n
The double Rugby World Cup winner left the Stormers back in 2017 to join French club Toulouse, where he won two Top 14 titles and an Investec Champions Cup trophy before securing a switch to RC Toulon. There, he clinched a Challenge Cup trophy before signing with Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath in 2023.<\/p>\n
Stormers\u2019 pursuit of Cheslin Kolbe<\/p>\n
Throughout this period, Kolbe has been linked with a return to the Stormers<\/a>, with the franchise addressing speculation of talks before he joined Suntory, while director of rugby John Dobson last year expressed his desire to lure the speedster home.<\/p>\n \u201cCheslin is someone we will definitely talk to. He is one of us. We believe he can fill a leadership role and play until 2029,\u201d he told Netwerk24.<\/p>\n Kolbe initially signed a deal with Suntory through to the end of the 2026\/27 Japan Rugby League One season and according to his agency, Roc Nation Sports International, he will honour the contract.<\/p>\n Michael Yormark, RNSI president, confirmed that the 32-year-old Springbok<\/a> will stay in Japan for the time being but is eyeing up a potential return to Cape Town after the World Cup.<\/p>\n \u201cFor the foreseeable future, that is where he will be,\u201d Yormark told The Star.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is a great opportunity for him. A couple of years out from the World Cup, you start thinking about what that final chapter might look like.\u00a0I think every player wants to come home. However, that is something Cheslin, Layla (his wife), and the family will consider at the appropriate time. Right now, his career is in Japan.\u201d<\/p>\n He added, \u201cHe is healthy, playing exceptionally well, and has picked up quite a few Player of the Match awards. He has settled in very nicely in Japan, is a well-liked teammate, respected by the organisation, and has integrated into the community.\u201d<\/p>\n The \u2018frustrating thing\u2019 for Springboks legend after controversial Champions Cup officiating as Schalk Burger insists everyone needs \u2018educating\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n A move back to Cape Town looks to be off the cards for Kolbe until at least after the Rugby World Cup, but the Stormers will need to recruit in other areas of their squad ahead of next season.<\/p>\n Want more from Planet Rugby? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list<\/a> for world-class coverage you can trust.<\/p>\n Club captain Salmaan Moerat is set to join Top 14 giants La Rochelle, while fellow lock Ruben van Heerden is off to Montpellier. Meanwhile, it\u2019s reported that Dylan Maart has signed with the Bulls.<\/p>\n