Mon 27 Jun 2022 | 11:53

World Cup Winner On The Verge Of Joining URC Champions

Springbok World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe looks set for a return to Cape Town following five seasons in the French Top 14.

A stalwart of the Western Province set-up from 2012-2017, Kolbe set sail for France in 2017 after years of not quite cracking the Springbok set-up.

Kolbe’s incredible form in France combined with the arrival of Rassie Erasmus as head coach in 2018 earned him a shot at the international stage.

Since then, he has gone to achieve incredible feats most notably as a try scorer in South Africa’s World Cup Final victory over England in 2019.

Having enjoyed several successful seasons with Toulouse which included both a Top14 and Heineken Champions Cup title, Kolbe headed south to join rivals Toulon.

Unfortunately for Toulon, it now appears as though the flyer will be leaving his contract early after the French giants forked out a whopping €1.8million just last year.

Kolbe signed a three-year deal with Toulon, so his negotiations are said to be at a sensitive stage. Take into account Toulon’s recent history with fellow Springbok Eben Etzabeth and one can understand why the club might fight to retain his services.

Should Kolbe make the move back to Cape Town he will be joining the province at an all-time high point in terms of on the field performances. Having recently been crowned the inaugural United Rugby Champions, the Stormers are stacked full of talent.

Playing in South Africa should also aid Kolbe’s burgeoning international career as he will be automatically released for international duty rather than facing the at times difficulties put in place by the Top14 clubs.

For the Stormers, Kolbe’s signing would be a major coup as fellow Springbok Warrick Gelant has departed to join French side Racing 92.

Current Springbok fullback incumbent Willie Le Roux has also been linked to the Cape side having recently began construction on a new home in the area.

Stormers fans would certainly be happy with signing just one of these players but signing both would set John Dobson’s side up nicely for their Champions Cup debut next seasons.