Cobus Reinach Reveals 2027 Springboks Ambition Ahead of Stormers vs Bulls Derby

Two-time Springbok World Cup winning scrum half Cobus Reinach has had a phenomenal 2025 season and recently made a comeback to South Africa by joining the unbeaten DHL Stormers Franchise. 

The 35-year-old Springbok superstar recently joined the Cape side after having stints in France and England respectively. 

The feisty and very energetic scrum half enjoyed his time in Europe but decided to return to south Africa to hopefully finish his career on a good note at home in South Africa, be close to his family and to become a 3rd time world cup winner with the Springboks in 2027. 

South African Derbies are special 

Reinach has put in two great performances for the DHL Stormers recently against La Rochelle and the Lions respectively and has been really impressive so far. 

The DHL Stormers take on arch rivals Bulls this Saturday the 3rd of January and it is widely considered as the biggest rivalry in South Africa rugby and will definitely be a mouthwatering contest. 

Reinach will be a key player in this huge contest. He was part of the Shark’s team from 2011 to 2017 and often played A big part in South African Derbies. 

He touched on the North-South derby by comparing the other derbies he’s played in during his club stints in England and France and life in Cape Town with the DHL Stormers. 

"I haven't played in South African derbies for a long time, and I've never played in this one," he told SportsBoom.co.za. 

"Just hearing the boys talk about it, you realize how big it is. It's going to be physical, it's going to be a full house, and it's a proper contest."

“The East Midlands derby between the Northampton Saints and the Leicester Tigers is massive. 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."

"I'm really happy to be here in Cape Town. The culture is something I've missed dearly, and the way the DHL Stormers play suits me- Its fast, attacking rugby with quick ball."

Ambition to play at the Rugby World Cup 2027 

The Superstar Scrumhalf is showing no signs of retirement and is aging like fine wine. 

He is very determined to show the youngsters and fans that he still has the wheels and ability to play for the four-time world cup winning Springboks and to become a three-time World Cup winner at the Rugby World Cup in 2027.

"You've got to look after yourself with recovery, conditioning and being honest with your body, rugby doesn't stop," he continued. 

"I still have massive goals. I want to contribute, and I would be lying if I said I'm not thinking about the 2027 World Cup." 

“I still have those goals, but for now, it is contributing to the DHL Stormers."

With the Stormers unbeaten and perched at the summit of the United Rugby Championship table, while also leading their Investec Cup pool, and the Bulls enduring a dip in form after five consecutive defeats, many expect this weekend’s derby to be a straightforward home win for the DHL Stormers. 

However, Reinach is adamant that it will be anything but easy.

"If you look at the individuals and the whole Bulls 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 and one win and the whole thing turns around and the snowball starts going. We will have to be on top of our gaming in every department," he concluded.