At the end of last year, it was confirmed that Siya Kolisi will return to the Stormers in July 2026, a move that actually also appeared on the cards before he ultimately joined the Sharks in 2024.
After playing well over 100 games for Western Province and the Stormers, Kolisi has had two spells with the Sharks, while a brief stint with Racing 92 in France was sandwiched in between.
However, the 34-year-old will now head back to Cape Town for what is likely to be his final stint with a domestic franchise.
Ironically, he has just featured in a big resurgence at the Sharks as the Durbanites claimed back-to-back wins over the Stormers, but his decision to head back to the Mother City is ultimately a very personal one.
“Cape Town has always been special for me,” he said. “It’s where my career started and it was my home for 11 years. Coming back will feel like coming home.
“It’s hard. I’m not leaving because I wasn’t happy, but because of my kids (who live in Cape Town). The Sharks and the people there have been amazing to me. That’s what made it really difficult.”
Just this week, the Sharks actually posted a couple of videos that showed Kolisi looking like he was still having the time of his life as he enjoys this last period at Kings Park.
When will Siya Kolisi make his Stormers ‘comeback’ game
Kolisi will rejoin the Cape side just as the Springbok season begins in July, and only after the conclusion of the Sharks’ 2025/26 season.
It means he is unlikely to play much for the Stormers this year, and his ‘comeback’ game will probably take place only at the end of 2026 once the next season of the URC and Champions Cup is already under way.
Special memories
Kolisi also said that returning to Cape Town is a significant moment for him and his family.
“I have such incredible memories of my time at the Stormers, the way I was embraced by the fans in my formative years has never left me.
“My family is in Cape Town and it is important to me to be close to them. This move gives me the chance to do that while also giving back to the team and fans who made such a big contribution to the player and person I am today.
“I am looking forward to contributing in any way I can to the future success and happiness of this special club and its incredible supporters,” he said.
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