South Africa's four United Rugby Championship clubs once again were among the busiest teams during the transfer window, but no side made a bigger statement than the DHL Stormers.
Already one of the league's perennial contenders, the Stormers landed two of the greatest Springboks of the professional era by signing Siya Kolisi and Cheslin Kolbe. The pair were instrumental in South Africa's back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs and instantly transform an already dangerous squad into one of the favorites to challenge Leinster Rugby for the 2026-27 URC title.
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While the Stormers strengthened considerably, their rivals experienced mixed fortunes. The Hollywoodbets Sharks lost several key contributors but brought home one of the world's premier tighthead props in Thomas du Toit. The Vodacom Bulls added proven talent but also saw several cornerstone players depart for Europe and Japan Rugby League One, while the Lions continued building around a younger core after reaching the playoffs last season.
The transfer window also highlighted a growing trend across world rugby. France's Top 14 and Japan Rugby League One once again lured away several established South African internationals, forcing URC clubs to balance winning now with continually replenishing their squads.
DHL Stormers Assemble A Championship-Caliber Roster
No club improved its ceiling more than the Stormers.
Kolisi returns to Cape Town after his spell with the Hollywoodbets Sharks, bringing leadership, physicality and the experience of captaining South Africa to consecutive Rugby World Cup titles. Joining him is Kolbe, one of the game's most electric attacking players, whose return from Japan Rugby League One gives the Stormers another proven match-winner.
The additions don't stop there.
Former Vodacom Bulls prop Wilco Louw strengthens the front row and gives the Stormers another experienced Springbok to anchor the scrum.
The Stormers did lose important contributors, including center Dan du Plessis, lock Salmaan Moerat, winger Dylan Maart and several experienced forwards. Still, adding Kolisi and Kolbe fundamentally changes the outlook of the squad and reinforces why many view Cape Town as the home of the URC's newest super team.
Sharks Reload After Losing Siya Kolisi
The Sharks endured one of the busiest offseasons in the competition.
Kolisi's departure to the Stormers headlines a list of notable exits that also includes Aphelele Fassi, Jean Smith and veteran Francois Venter. Even with those losses, Durban's club made one of the smartest signings of the summer by bringing back Thomas du Toit following his standout spell with Bath Rugby.
Du Toit established himself as one of the Gallagher PREM's premier props and gives the Sharks another elite Springbok in the front row.
The additions of Ivan van Zyl, Gianni Lombard and experienced lock Stephan Lewies also provide quality depth as the Sharks attempt to remain among South Africa's playoff contenders.
Bulls Balance Key Additions With Painful Departures
The Vodacom Bulls strengthened their squad with several intriguing signings but paid a heavy price in outgoing talent.
Former Munster winger Thaakir Abrahams arrives after playing an important role for one of Ireland's top provinces and should add pace and finishing ability to the Bulls' backline. Dylan Maart also returns from the Stormers, while Hanro Liebenberg and Curwin Bosch provide additional experience.
Replacing those departures, however, won't be easy.
Wilco Louw joins the Stormers after anchoring the Bulls' scrum, David Kriel leaves for La Rochelle, and Springbok star Kurt-Lee Arendse departs for Japan Rugby League One. Those losses remove significant firepower from a team that has consistently challenged for URC championships.
Lions Continue Building For The Future
The Lions continue investing in a younger squad after last season's breakthrough playoff appearance.
Boan Venter arrives from Edinburgh to strengthen the front row, while Dan Kasende, Boeta Chamberlain and scrum-half Asad Moos add competition across the backline.
The club did lose Gianni Lombard and Darrien Landsberg to the Sharks, along with several experienced veterans, but the Lions continue to prioritize player development as they attempt to remain in the Race to the Eight.
South Africa's Balance Of Power Has Shifted
On paper, no South African club enjoyed a better offseason than the Stormers.
Adding Kolisi and Kolbe gives Cape Town arguably the most recognizable roster in the URC, while the Bulls and Sharks were forced to replace several established stars who moved to France and Japan. Those departures underscore the growing influence of the Top 14 and Japan Rugby League One, which continue attracting some of South Africa's biggest names.
With the Stormers adding world-class talent, the Bulls retooling, the Sharks rebuilding around Thomas du Toit and the Lions continuing their steady rise, South Africa should once again play a central role in the race for the 2026-27 United Rugby Championship title.
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