John Dobson Reveals What Siya Kolisi Wanted Before Stormers’ URC Opener

• Siya Kolisi was back with the Stormers in Galway as the Cape side opened their URC campaign with an important victory
• John Dobson has revealed more about Kolisi’s involvement with the Stormers as the Springbok star prepares for his competitive return
• The Stormers now turn their attention to Edinburgh, with Kolisi’s next move set to attract plenty of interest from supporters

Siya Kolisi was ready to make his official return for the Stormers against Connacht on Friday, despite only arriving in Galway late the previous evening. Stormers coach John Dobson revealed that the Springbok captain had asked to play in the United Rugby Championship opener.

Kolisi rejoined the Cape Town franchise this season after his return from French club Racing 92. However, he was released from the Springbok camp ahead of South Africa's Test against Australia on Sunday.

According to SA Rugby Magazine, Dobson explained after the Stormers' 29-15 victory:

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“Just a big shoutout to Siya Kolisi, who asked to come. He wanted to play tonight despite landing so late last night.”

The coach added that Kolisi still went through the team's preparations.

“He comes here, invests so heavily, straps, warms up with the team. Meant a lot to us,” Dobson said.

Stormers prepare for Edinburgh clash

The Stormers eventually produced a four-try performance to beat Connacht 29-15 at Dexcom Stadium on 25 September 2026. The hosts led 15-10 with just over 25 minutes remaining before the Cape side finished strongly.

Kolisi did not take the field, but Dobson noted his presence as the Stormers dealt with several selection disruptions.

The coach also praised debutants Vernon Paulo, Ezekiel Ngobeni and Riley Norton, while highlighting 20-year-old Yaqeen Ahmed's performance.

Will Siya Kolisi face Edinburgh?

The Stormers' next assignment comes against Edinburgh at Hive Stadium on Friday, 2 October 2026. Edinburgh opened their campaign with a 34-26 win over Ulster on 25 September. That fixture is officially scheduled for 7:45pm local time.

Dobson's comments confirm that Kolisi was keen to return against Connacht, but they do not confirm whether he will feature against Edinburgh.

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For now, the Stormers have started their URC campaign with five points from Galway, while Kolisi's competitive return remains a talking point ahead of their Scottish trip.

Stormers sign Haashim Pead from Lions

Briefly News also reported that the Stormers have reached an agreement with the Lions for highly rated scrumhalf Haashim Pead, ending weeks of uncertainty surrounding the 21-year-old's future.

The Cape Town-born youngster has an impressive Junior Springboks pedigree and has returned to the Western Cape.

Source: Briefly News