Kolbe rejoined the Stormers as part of project 2029, a long-term strategic plan led by Director of Rugby John Dobson. The project aims to build a self-sustaining and dominant squad capable of winning both the United Rugby Championship (URC) and European Champions Cup by 2029. 

A big pillar of the project was to bring back the “Sons of Stormers” such as Cheslin Kolbe, Siya Kolisi and Wilco Louw to blend their experience with local emerging talent.

Kolbe continues to recover from a jaw injury which he sustained during Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry with the Springboks, and Senatla says he is not back make up the numbers but rather to compete. 

"Cheslin is very similar to someone like a Siya Kolisi. They are both contributors and strong competitors. I know him quite well and he's become a good mate and we all know what Cheslin is capable of producing at any given moment because he is extremely special.

"His presence will boost us because iron sharpens iron at the end of the day. We don't know what the coaches will decide on, but whatever they decide we will back their selections."

With the arrival of Cheslin Kolbe comes a new challenge for the Stormers coaching staff, particularly when it comes to rotating players on the wings. 

The Stormers currently have Seabelo Senatla and Leolin Zas occupying the right and left wing positions respectively. 

It is only a matter of time before Kolbe rejoins the squad, with the experienced winger capable of playing on either flank, but the question remains of how the players will be rotated. 

Stormers attacking coach Dawie Snyman says the coaching staff will prioritise giving players breaks throughout a demanding season.  

Meanwhile, Senatla further reflected on the Stormers’ backline, saying there is a positive feeling amongst the players. He believes the team now has a clearer understanding of how to balance its set-piece dominance with the explosiveness of its backs. 

Senatla says finding the balance between the two and knowing when to use each strength is something the team had lacked in the past.