Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani says Siya Kolisi joined the touring group to bond with the squad and can cover multiple back-row positions, but he stopped short of confirming whether the Springbok captain will face Edinburgh.
Siya Kolisi left the Springbok camp to join the Stormers’ tour in Galway with the explicit aim of integrating with the squad.
Rito Hlungwani did not confirm Kolisi in the match-day 23 for the Edinburgh game, noting that selection will be announced on Thursday.
Hlungwani highlighted Kolisi’s humility, travel commitment and ability to play across the back row, with Deon Fourie and Paul de Villiers also options at openside.
# Rito excited but coy on Siya's role
Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani confirmed that Siya Kolisi joined the Stormers' touring party in Ireland after leaving the Springbok camp. Kolisi warmed up with the team in Galway and asked to come on tour as soon as he learned he would not be involved with the national side.
Hlungwani avoided confirming whether Kolisi will play in the upcoming United Rugby Championship match against Edinburgh, saying only that the match-day 23 would be released on Thursday. That keeps Kolisi's immediate availability unclear, but Hlungwani made two things plain: Kolisi wanted to be part of the group, and he can cover multiple positions across the back row.
Hlungwani said Kolisi's role will depend on weekend demands. He singled out two other players as options at openside flanker: Paul de Villiers and Deon Fourie. At the same time, Hlungwani stressed Kolisi's ability to play across the back row, meaning the coaching staff can consider him at multiple loose-forward positions rather than restricting him to a single spot.
When pressed on whether Kolisi would run out at Hive Stadium on Friday, Hlungwani sidestepped, pointing supporters and media to the official squad announcement on Thursday. He also clarified that no other returning Springboks would be available for selection for the Edinburgh match.
Hlungwani framed Kolisi's presence as valuable beyond his international pedigree. He said it was important for the squad to see Kolisi as a humble teammate willing to work, belong and be accepted by the group rather than as an untouchable superstar. That approach, Hlungwani said, is appreciated by the players and contributes to team cohesion.
Thursday, which will confirm whether Kolisi's on-tour integration extends to immediate match involvement against Edinburgh.
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