The two-time Rugby World Cup winner remains one of the most feared and lethal finishers in world rugby. Whenever debates arise about the best players on the planet, Kolbe’s name is never far from the conversation.

The 32-year-old last played for the Stormers in 2017 before embarking on a glittering overseas career in France and Japan. During his time abroad, the Cape Town-born flyer represented Toulouse and Toulon before heading east to play for Suntory Sungoliath in Japan.

Cheslin Kolbe against the All Blacks at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. Photo: Getty

While the Stormers’ immediate focus remains on the United Rugby Championship playoffs, coach John Dobson told OFM Sport that he is thrilled Kolbe chose to return to Cape Town of his own accord.

“It’s been about four false starts over the years – he’s desperate to come back,” said Dobson.

“The commitment that he made to come back – this is not a big galactico signing. It’s a guy who really, really wanted to come back to Cape Town and wanted to play for the Stormers.

John Dobson. Photo: X

“He’s made a commercial sacrifice around that, which is highly appreciated by the team. It shows his commitment to the team and obviously wanting to be back where he comes from.

“We heard Eddie Jones speak about him, and we watched some Japanese club games. Eddie just said the other day that his work off the ball and his commitment are outstanding. We know he’s a prime athlete.

“This is a guy who will be playing for us in 2029. It’s not a retirement thing – he wants to win trophies. He’s so excited. As I say, his commitment is massive. He would earn multiples of what he is earning if he stayed in Japan, and he’d earn several-fold more on a commercial basis at another franchise.”

Dobson added Kolbe is exactly the kind of player the Stormers need at this stage, both on and off the field, while his influence on the younger players at the union could prove invaluable.

“We all know the X-factor he brings, and we know we’ve struggled a bit this season. We’re a transition-based team, and we’ve probably lacked a bit of strike power out there, so he solves that. But there’s also what he brings to the whole project, to the city, and the people who are going to come and watch. It’s really, really good news.

“A lot of credit must go to Cheslin for making this happen because he had to do a lot of heavy lifting. He was under contract there and had to sacrifice financially. At no stage is this a galactico deal or a retirement deal. Cheslin is coming here to help us hopefully win a trophy.

Siya Kolisi. Photo: Morgan Piek

“He’ll probably only be 34 in 2029. Can you imagine what it will mean for players like Josh Pool, Marcus Miller or JC Mars to play with Cheslin Kolbe? He’s such a good professional. It’s going to be brilliant.

“We’re so, so happy and I’m very grateful to everybody involved.”

Meanwhile, the Stormers will turn their attention back to the business at hand when they face Cardiff in the quarter-finals of the United Rugby Championship on Saturday at 15:30 at Cape Town Stadium.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm