In our latest transfer rumours and updates, another Springboks star could be Stormers-bound while there is an update on the Fehi Fineanganofo situation.
Third Springboks star linked to Stormers return
Springboks powerhouse Damian de Allende could be next on the list of the Stormers’ recruitment drive after he was linked with a return.
De Allende represented the Cape Town outfit between 2013 and 2019, while he has played overseas for the Kintetsu Liners, Panasonic Wild Knights and Munster.
He has been with the Wild Knights since 2022, but the centre could join Cheslin Kolbe and Siya Kolisi in returning home, according to Rapport.
They have claimed that the 34-year-old is potentially looking to head back to the Republic, with a source telling the outlet: “Damian is considering returning to South Africa in 2027.”
Although they also stated that talks have yet to begin between the two parties, it would fit with the Stormers’ recent transfer activity amid the franchise’s Project 2029.
Both Kolbe and Kolisi will add significant experience and quality to the squad when they join ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, while another high-profile Springbok, Wilco Louw, has also agreed a deal.
De Allende, particularly given his past connections to the Stormers like Kolbe and Kolisi, would represent a similar type of signing to those two.
And it is not just on the field where the Cape Town-based side would benefit with the Boks stars set to help commercially.
“Our sponsors are very excited to see players of Siya and Cheslin’s calibre back in the Stormers squad,” CEO Johan le Roux said.
“This class of superstars increases the commercial value for our sponsors through the attention they draw from around the world to the Stormers.”
Cheslin Kolbe made huge ‘financial sacrifices’ to rejoin Stormers after ‘four false starts’
Eben Etzebeth also linked
There has also been speculation surrounding Eben Etzebeth, who is another player that represented the Stormers with distinction for several years.
Etzebeth is currently contracted to the Sharks until June 2027 and the Durban outfit insist that they will not release him before that deal concludes.
“He can’t sign with anyone else without a release from the Sharks,” a source told Rapport.
Fehi Fineanganofo
Various parties have moved to deny that New Zealand Rugby have blocked Fehi Fineanganofo’s move from the Hurricanes to Newcastle Red Bulls.
It was claimed by GBRANZ podcast host Andy Rowe on Sport Nation that the governing body had stepped in to stop Super Rugby Pacific’s hottest prospect from moving to England, although they have since updated their piece to include a rebuttal from NZ Rugby.
Fineanganofo signed a deal with the ambitious Red Bulls in January, but he has since gone on to equal the Super Rugby try-scoring record this season, sparking panic within the country that they could be losing a possible Test superstar.
However, Newcastle have stated that the talented wing will be joining, with sporting general director Neil McIlroy telling the Independent that the 23-year-old will be honouring his contract.
That is also how Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw understands it as he told reporters: “We’ve made no secret we’d love him to be here if he can be here, but I genuinely haven’t heard anything along those lines.”