Siya Kolisi expected to make Stormers comeback this Friday

The Stormers started their URC campaign with a hard-fought win over Connacht last Friday, and it was noticeable that Siya Kolisi made the trip to join up with the side, watching on and supporting the team from the sidelines.

John Dobson’s team will next take on Edinburgh this Friday, and it could present an opportunity for the Stormers to hand Kolisi his ‘comeback debut’.

The iconic leader’s professional rugby journey started in Cape Town after he left school and he is now poised to add to his 118 Stormers caps.

Having made his debut in 2012, Kolisi was appointed captain in 2017 before taking up the same position for the national team the following year. He went on to lift the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and would do so again in 2023.

Stormers thrilled to have Kolisi back in their squad

Speaking after the URC opener, Dobson said that Kolisi’s commitment to the team spoke volumes after he opted against the opportunity to have some rest, and rather requested to join up with the Stormers.

“Just a big shoutout to Siya Kolisi, who asked to come. He wanted to play tonight despite landing so late last night,” said Dobson.

“I think it’s just going to help to have a guy like that who’s so invested in the team and an amazing example of action speaking louder than words. He comes here, invests so heavily, straps, warms up with the team. It meant a lot to us.”

Major boost to squad depth

Stormers assistant coach Rito Hlungwani said that the presence of Kolisi was already making an impact on the side.

“Pretty much as soon as he found out he wasn’t playing (for the Springboks against the Wallabies), he asked if he could join us, and the Springboks thankfully allowed him to do that.

“He is spending a bit of time with us, getting to know some of the youngsters, so we are quite happy with that.”

Dobson previously said that Kolisi will add value to the squad in ways that no other player could.

“We have got an outstanding crop of loose forwards in our squad and a number of very strong young leaders, with the last three Junior Springbok captains all on our books.

“Siya will be able to help develop these players and mentor them in a way that nobody else could, given what he has achieved and what he represents to all South Africans and especially our fans.

“We are very aware of the load that he has carried professionally and personally over the last few years, but what is so encouraging is the way that he has bought into helping us reach the goals we have set for ourselves in developing our squad as we build towards Project 2029,” he said.