6 October 2026
The DHL Stormers have received a massive morale boost ahead of their upcoming clashes. Double World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has officially rejoined the squad, anchoring a powerhouse group of returning veteran talent.
Kolisi spent seven years with the Cape Town franchise before a stint in France with Racing 92 and a brief return to Durban. He anchors the Stormers' blockbuster incoming class alongside fellow high-profile returning Springboks Cheslin Kolbe and Wilco Louw.
Young Stormers lock Riley Norton highlighted the immediate impact of having the national captain back in the team environment. The senior players joined up with the touring squad ahead of their northern hemisphere fixtures.
"Siya joined the squad in Galway," Norton said. "Him being on with us, it's a massive moral boost."
The injection of experience creates a unique learning environment for the franchise's rising talent. Norton said that the younger generation is determined to absorb tactical insights from the veterans.
"As youngsters, it is our job to try and learn as much as we can in the short space of time that we have with the experienced players, because that will really, really help us as a squad," Norton explained. "I think we're really lucky in the sense that those senior guys coming in will just want to help us."
Team energy remains exceptionally high as the squad integrates their returning stars into the weekly structures. "The youngsters themselves are just so eager to talk to them and just learn from them," Norton added. "Everyone is just super excited for Siya joining."
While local URC points remain the immediate priority, the Cape side is already looking beyond. The squad faces a demanding dual-campaign with elite cross-hemisphere competition looming large.
"We're really excited for the URC season and, most importantly, the Investec Champions Cup season, and we can't wait to hopefully be on the field with those guys," Norton said.
The Stormers kick off their Investec Champions Cup campaign on 17 October 2026. They will host English Premiership side Bristol Bears in a highly anticipated Pool 3 opener at the DHL Stadium.