They are the only South African team to ever win the URC title. With some big names joining the squad, can they do it again this year?
After a promising start to the campaign and third place in the URC, the Stormers’ season ended with a semi-final defeat to Leinster in Dublin in June. The Cape Town side have since bolstered their ranks, however, bringing back a trio of former stars (and proven Springbok regulars) in Siya Kolisi, Cheslin Kolbe and Wilco Louw. They remain the only South African side ever to lift the URC trophy – can they do it again five years after the 2022 triumph?
Below we rule on the Stormers’ chances this year. The world of rugby also shows season previews for everyone United Rugby Championship and Gallagher PREM sides in time for the big kick off on Friday 25th September.
Stormers discussions
The Stormers emerged as early favorites for top spot last season after winning ten straight games in both club competitions – an incredible run that included a 35-0 thrashing of Leinster in Cape Town.
However, the Cape team failed to maintain their momentum at the back end of the URC and finished third. As a result, they had to travel to Dublin for the semi-final, where they lost 20-11 to Leinster.
They made several high-profile signings in the offseason and look better equipped to go the distance this time around. Their ability to close out tough contests, especially in the latter stages of the campaign, will be under scrutiny.
A key player
Cheslin Kolbe returned to Cape Town after a nine-year stint abroad that included successful stints in Toulouse, Toulon and Suntory Sungoliath.
The two-time World Cup winner has strengthened his skills in recent seasons after playing at full-back and kicking a goal at Suntory – and the Stormers will be looking to use these strengths in a stacked backline that already includes the Springboks Cobus Reinach, Damian Willemse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
After a nine-year absence, Cheslin Kolbe returns to South Africa as a more versatile player (Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
One to watch
Muller scored 36 tries for his school Paarl Gymnasium in 2025 and has lived up to the hype since making the step up. The outside center played for the Boks juniors in this year’s World Junior Championship winning campaign in Georgia and featured for the South Africa A side in their big win over Zimbabwe in June.
At 19, he has already made his URC debut and looks ready for more responsibility in the coming months.
Trainer box
Long-serving boss John Dobson has been vocal about the project to build squad depth and believes the Stormers can win the URC and Champions Cup by 2029.
Dawie Snyman (attack), Norman Laker (defense) and Rito Hlungwani (forward) are vital components of that boast of an ambitious project.
Stormers 2026-27 Prediction
Given their quality in depth, the Stormers should clinch the top two spots and gain home advantage for the play-offs.
Stormers 2026-27 quotas
5-1
Vital statistics
The Stormers averaged 26,153 at home last season – the 15th best figure in the URC. Includes 53,682 against the Bulls.
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi is back with the Stormers after stints with the Sharks and Racing 92 (Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
Stormers signings
- Gerbrandt Grobler (Sharks)
- Siya Kolisi (Sharks)
- Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath)
- Wilco Louw (Bulls)
Stormers ddepartures
- Daniel du Plessis (Bordeaux)
- Alex Groves (Scarlets)
- Dylan Market (Taurus)
- Salman Mourat (La Rochelle)
- Asad Moos (lions)
- Ruben van Heerde (Montpellier)
- Ali Entertainment (Boland)
- Corné Weilbach (Saracens)
- Siyabonga Ntubeni (retired)
- Lizo Gqoboka (retired)
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