Key partner of helps bring him home

Cheslin Kolbe is heading back to Cape Town, and it is a special partner of his, SportyBet, who deserve huge credit for making the deal happen.

Kolbe is set to return to the Stormers by 1 July, but the Cape side’s strict financial policies meant the deal would never have happened without outside intervention.

According to Rapport, the Stormers were willing to bring the 32-year-old Springbok wing home as part of director of rugby John Dobson’s “Project 2029” blueprint. However, the franchise’s new ownership operates under tight financial controls and was only prepared to offer Kolbe a standard contract.

EXPLAINED: HOW BETTING COMPANY HELPED CLINCH KOLBE’S DEAL WITH THE STORMERS

That left a significant gap to bridge. Kolbe had recently extended his deal with Japanese club Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath until the end of the 2026/27 season, meaning any move required a sizeable buyout fee.

Roc Nation Sports International, Kolbe’s agency, went to work. Unable to extract more money from the Stormers, RNSI approached Kolbe’s commercial partners and found a willing backer in international sports betting platform SportyBet, who put up a substantial transfer fee to bring the winger back to Cape Town.

SA Rugby’s Players of National Interest funding structure also contributed to the final package. But it is SportyBet’s intervention that ultimately made the move a reality.

The signing fills a pressing need out wide for Dobson’s side. Dylan Maart moves to the Bulls from Griquas after the Currie Cup, leaving Leolin Zas and Suleiman Hartzenberg as the current first-choice wings.

SportyBet ambassador

Earlier this year it was confirmed that Kolbe had joined SportyBet as a global ambassador.

Kolbe shared his excitement about teaming up with SportyBet and the opportunity to connect with millions of fans.

“SportyBet is where champions play, and I’m grateful to represent this team now. Can’t wait to bring my passion and energy to this field.”

A statement added: “As SportyBet continues to bring fans closer to the sports they love, the partnership with Cheslin Kolbe represents a meaningful step forward, combining world-class talent with a brand focused on entertainment, innovation, and genuine sporting connection.”