'No commitment' from Kolbe to Stormers as Bok star's camp responds to 'safety' concerns

Talks were under way between the Stormers and Cheslin Kolbe's representatives over a potential return to Cape Town, but they were "preliminary" and there was never any commitment from the Springbok star's camp. 

That was the clear message from Michael Yormark, president of Roc Nation Sports - the international agency representing the 28-year-old - on Saturday. 

Kolbe, who signed for French giants Toulon from neighbours Toulouse last year, had been linked with a return to the United Rugby Championship champions and the franchise he represented from 2013 to 2017. 

One of the most destructive attackers in the world, a potential move for Kolbe back to the Stormers was always going to be high-profile, and a report on Netwerk24 on Saturday claimed that the Stormers had offered around R55 million over five years to get it over the line. 

The report added that the deal didn't go through because Kolbe's camp had expressed concerns over "safety and security" in South Africa. 

"We did have conversations with the Stormers," Yormark confirmed.

"The conversations were very preliminary and, as you can imagine, as an agency representing athletes all over the world, teams call us all the time and ask about availability, interest etc.

"In the case of Cheslin, there was a strong desire by the Stormers to bring him back home. He is one of the best players in the world, but as we all know, Cheslin is under contract.

"He signed a multi-year agreement with Toulon, and he cannot look at other opportunities at this time, nor would he want to. He loves playing for Toulon, he loves his team-mates, and he loves the organisation. So does Layla [Kolbe's wife] and the family, and they're enjoying their lifestyle there."

Yormark said it was simply "good