Springbok Damian de Allende eyes Stormers return as Kolisi stays injured

Springbok centre Damian de Allende, a double World Cup winner with 98 test caps, is in informal talks to re‑join the Stormers after his contract with Japan's Saitama Wild Knights runs out in June 2027. The 34‑year‑old previously played for the Stormers before stints in Munster and Japan, and the club is weighing his experience against long‑term planning as they solidify a core that includes returning captain Siya Kolisi, winger Cheslin Kolbe and prop Wilco Louw.

Meanwhile, Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that captain Siya Kolisi remains sidelined with a hamstring niggle, ruling him out of the three‑match Test series against England and Wales in July. Erasmus said the team will aim to have Kolisi fit for the August test against Argentina and the subsequent series against New Zealand, emphasizing a cautious approach to protect the captain ahead of the 2025 World Cup buildup.