The Stormers are on the brink of a nostalgic reunion as whispers grow louder about another Springbok veteran possibly making his way back to the Cape Town-based club. Hot on the heels of Siya Kolisi and Cheslin Kolbe, who are set to return from the Sharks and Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath respectively, Damian de Allende might just be the next big name to grace the fields of his former team.
De Allende, a two-time World Cup champion, has been showcasing his skills in Japan with the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights since 2022. The center, who originally donned the Stormers jersey from 2012 to 2019, is reportedly contemplating a return to South Africa by 2027. "Damian is considering returning to South Africa in 2027," revealed a source close to the discussions.
"Damian is considering returning to South Africa in 2027"
However, fans might want to hold off on popping the champagne bottles just yet, as nothing is set in stone. Discussions are still ongoing, and a definitive agreement has yet to be inked. Meanwhile, there’s also buzz around Eben Etzebeth potentially returning to the Stormers. The towering lock, like De Allende, left the club in 2019 for greener pastures abroad. But, the Sharks, where Etzebeth currently plays, are not keen on letting him go before his contract concludes in June 2027. According to a source, "He can’t sign with anyone else without a release from the Sharks."
The anticipated return of such high-profile players is more than just a boost on the field; it's a commercial windfall. Stormers CEO Johan le Roux expressed his excitement about the positive impact these players have on the club’s marketability. "Our sponsors are very excited to see players of Siya and Cheslin’s calibre back in the Stormers squad," Le Roux stated. He further emphasized the broader benefits, noting, "This class of superstars increases the commercial value for our sponsors through the attention they draw from around the world to the Stormers."
As the Stormers gear up potentially to welcome back their prodigal sons, the rugby world watches with bated breath. The return of such stalwarts not only promises thrilling rugby but also sparks a resurgence in fan engagement and sponsor interest, proving that sometimes, you can indeed go home again.