Siya Kolisi Returns To Stormers Starting XV After More Than Five Years Away

• Siya Kolisi is finally back in the Stormers starting XV, with his return coming after a lengthy absence from the Cape Town franchise
• John Dobson has made several changes to his Stormers lineup, with Kolisi’s return one of the biggest talking points ahead of Friday’s clash
• The Stormers face a difficult Edinburgh test after starting their URC campaign strongly, with Dobson demanding another step up from his players

Siya Kolisi will make his long-awaited return to the Stormers starting XV when they face Edinburgh at Hive Stadium on Friday, 2 October 2026, more than five years after his previous appearance for the Cape Town side.

The Springbok captain has been named at openside flank for the United Rugby Championship clash and will earn his 119th Stormers cap. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:45 South African time.

SA Rugby Magazine reports that Kolisi returns after rejoining the franchise where his professional career began, following spells with the Sharks and Racing 92. The Stormers confirmed earlier this month that he had returned to Cape Town as part of their 2026/27 squad.

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John Dobson reshuffles Stormers team

Director of rugby John Dobson has made several changes for the Edinburgh encounter. Louw Nel moves to blindside flank to accommodate Kolisi, while Riley Norton comes into the second row.

Ntuthuko Mchunu starts at loosehead prop, with Stefan Ungerer and Yaqeen Ahmed forming a new halfback combination. Dobson said the Stormers wanted to add greater ruthlessness after their opening-round victory.

“Last week's performance against Connacht was encouraging in many ways, but we would like to see a more ruthless edge to our game, which we have worked on this week,” he said, according to the Stormers.

The Stormers began their campaign with a 29-15 bonus-point victory over Connacht in Galway on 25 September. Edinburgh also won their opener, beating Ulster 34-29 in Belfast.

Stormers face Edinburgh challenge

Dobson expects the returning players and youngsters to combine effectively in Scotland.

“We know that Edinburgh is a tough place to play and we have some experience coming in,” he said.

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Dobson knows the Edinburgh trip could set the tone for the Stormers’ next phase of the season, with the Cape side facing a demanding run of fixtures after returning home.

He stressed that the responsibility would be shared across the matchday squad, saying:

“It will take a big effort from all 23 players to get the result.”

The Edinburgh clash is the Stormers’ second match of the 2026/27 URC campaign. They will then head back to Cape Town, where four successive home fixtures await them.

Siya Kolisi had already pushed for Stormers' return

Briefly News previously reported that Siya Kolisi was eager to make his competitive Stormers return after asking to play against Connacht in Galway.

John Dobson said Kolisi arrived late but still wanted to be involved with the team. “He wanted to play tonight despite landing so late last night,” Dobson said.

Kolisi ultimately did not take the field in the Stormers’ 29-15 victory on 25 September 2026.

Source: Briefly News