Stormers boss John Dobson has revealed that Cheslin Kolbe took a massive financial hit and turned down staggering international offers just to wear the blue and white hoops again. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
The return of Cheslin Kolbe to the Stormers has been framed as one of the biggest signings in South African rugby in recent years, but director of rugby John Dobson insists it is neither a “Galactico deal” nor a retirement move.
Speaking after confirming the Springbok star’s signing from next season, Dobson said Kolbe remained firmly in his prime and was returning to Cape Town with one goal in mind – winning trophies.
“We watched some Japanese club games and when he joined us the other day, his work off the ball and his commitment stood out immediately,” said Dobson.
“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.”
Kolbe, currently finishing his stint with Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath in Japan, reportedly turned down far more lucrative offers elsewhere to return to the Stormers setup.
“He would earn multiples of what he is if he stayed in Japan,” Dobson revealed.
“He’d earn several fold if he went on a commercial basis to probably another franchise. A lot of credit must go to Cheslin for making this happen because he had to do a lot of the heavy lifting. He was under contract there and had to sacrifice financially. I know he wanted to be here.”
Dobson admitted the Stormers had lacked attacking spark during a transitional campaign and believes Kolbe’s arrival could transform the side on and off the field.
“We all know the X-factor he brings and we know we’ve probably lacked a bit of strike power out there this season, so he solves that,” said Dobson.
“There’s also the bigger piece of what he brings to the whole project and to the city. People are going to come watch him. It’s really, really good news.”
Dobson also dismissed suggestions that the Stormers were simply stockpiling Springboks, with Siya Kolisi also returning to Cape Town from the Sharks.
“These are sons of the Stormers who’ve made fantastic contributions to this project,” he said. “It’s not a Galactico deal. Cheslin’s coming to help us hopefully win a trophy.”
The Stormers coach believes Kolbe’s influence on younger players could prove invaluable.
“Can you imagine for a Josh Boulle or a Markus Miller or a JC Mars to be playing with Cheslin Kolbe? He’s such a good professional. It’s going to be brilliant.”