The re-signing of loosehead prop Steven Kitshoff by the DHL Stormers signals the intent of their new owners to invest in the success of the team, writes, Keohane emphasises the significance of the 32-year-old’s return thanks to the equity deal between the Stormers and the Red Disa Consortium, and compares Kitshoff’s comeback to the retention of fellow Springbok Damian Willemse.
Keohane acknowledges the economic climate of the sport but notes a trend of big-name South African professionals returning to play domestically, citing examples from the Vodacom Bulls and Sharks.“The new owners of the Stormers made the most emphatic statement on Friday evening that there is a new ‘Rugby Sheriff’ in Cape Town – and this Sheriff means business,” he writes.