Siya Kolisi’s Stormers return begins with team warm-up and post-match celebrations in Galway

Siya Kolisi made his return to the Stormers jersey by flying into Ireland on Thursday, eager to play in their United Rugby Championship (URC) opener against Connacht in Galway. The Springbok captain, who started his professional career with the Cape side, wanted to make his comeback in the first match after returning to the Stormers.

Injuries to Evan Roos and Marcel Theunissen created an opening for John Dobson, the director of rugby, to consider using Kolisi in the match. Roos was initially set to play in the No 6 jersey, but his late withdrawal, coupled with Theunissen's injury, made Kolisi a prime candidate to don the Stormers jersey. He joined his new teammates on Thursday and participated in the pre-game warm-up at Dexcom Stadium, surprising a few Stormers supporters in Ireland.

After the 29-15 victory, Kolisi celebrated with his teammates in the changeroom by singing their song, Impi Yama Stormer. He also joined a few players and assistant coach Rito Hlunwani to sing with the fans who greeted them after the match. Dobson praised Kolisi's dedication, stating that his eagerness to join the team and contribute would help de-stratify the Stormers, bridging the gap between Springboks and non-Blacks players.