Ageless Cobus Reinach eyes 2027 Rugby World Cup after dream return to SA with Stormers

At the Springboks, Rassie Erasmus has always said that “form is everything and age ain’t nothing but a number,” and he could have coined it with Cobus Reinach in mind.

The 35-year-old scrum-half said on Monday in a Stormers press conference that he has one eye on the 2027 World Cup in Australia, and there is no reason to doubt that he can get there. It is almost crazy to suggest that 2025 was a Springbok breakout year of sorts for the veteran, but the statistics suggest it was.

Until this year, the vast majority of his 50 caps for the Boks were from the bench, but in 2025, he started in seven of his 11 appearances and scored five tries.

Erasmus knows that when Reinach is on the field, tries are not far off — he either scores them or makes them for his teammates. Reinach’s love of the try-line is borne out by the statistics: in 93 appearances for the Sharks, he scored 16 tries (2012–2017); he scored 29 tries for Northampton in 70 appearances, and for Montpellier, he nailed 35 tries in 102 matches. And for the Boks, his tally is 19 in 50 Tests.

“I’d be lying if I said I’m not thinking about the 2027 World Cup,” he said. “It can be done. You’ve got to look after yourself. Recovery, conditioning, and being honest with your body — rugby doesn’t stop. I still have goals, but for now, it is contributing to the Stormers.

“I haven’t played in South African derbies for a long time, and I’ve never played in this one,” Reinach said. “Just hearing the boys talk about it, you realise how big it is. It’s going to be physical, it’s going to be a full house, and it’s a proper contest.”

Reinach was asked about his experience of major derbies in England and France. “The East Midlands derby between the Northampton Saints and the Leicester Tigers is massive,” he said.

“In France, there are rivalries too, but this feels different. The north-south derby is something special in South African rugby. The recent Lions game was the first derby I had coming back, and it’s tough. You forget how tough it is to play against your own people.”

Reinach said he was thrilled to be back in South Africa after eight years in Europe. “I’m really happy to be in Cape Town. The culture is something I’ve missed dearly, and the way the Stormers play suits me — fast, attacking rugby with quick ball.”

Reinach laughed off a suggestion that the Bulls would be easy pickings. “If you look at the individuals and the whole team, I don’t think they’re a weakened side or a weak side.

"I think they were a bit unlucky with a few games; one win and the whole thing turns around and the snowball starts going. We will have to be on top of our game in every department.”