Cheslin Kolbe

thumb|Cheslin Kolbe Cheslin Kolbe (born 28 October 1993) is a South African professional rugby union player who plays primarily as a wing for the Stormers and the South Africa national team. Renowned for his speed, agility, and footwork, he rose from Kraaifontein, Cape Town, to become one of rugby's most influential backs. After representing Western Province and the Stormers, Kolbe starred for the South African sevens team, winning bronze at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, before making his Springboks debut in 2018. He has since played a key role in South Africa's Rugby World Cup (RWC) triumphs in 2019 and 2023, including scoring a famous try in the 2019 final. Quotes I’ve tried to return a year or two ago, but that didn’t work. So, I am just grateful that there was another opportunity to return home to South Africa, Cape Town, and the Stormers, where everything started for me, Yes, the reason was to come back to play for the Stormers, where my rugby started Hopefully, I can finish my career with the team as well. But the biggest part was for my wife and kids Not being here with them, seeing them grow, was tough on us. Last year, I returned after six months of not seeing my children, Kylah, Mila and Cayden, and my boy almost didn’t recognise me. That made me realise it is time to come home and spend time with them. My parents are also not getting any younger, and it’s just to have them closer to me when I play in the stadium. That has been my dream as a kid, and I am really happy with the decision to return to Cape Town, be back with the Stormers and be with my family. To see the smiles on the people’s faces here, it’s special. I just want to see people happy, and being able to give back is always special to me. Nissan has been part of my family, with my dad owning one when I was a kid, so it rubbed off on me. I am really excited about pulling that Stormers jersey over my head and playing in front of the Cape supporters. I want to make a positive impact as a player and contribute wherever I can for the team. I play to enjoy the game and to give my best every time I run onto the field I really can’t wait to run out for the first time at DHL Stadium. For now, though, it’s about making sure I do my best for the Springboks if I get that opportunity and taking things step by step. I don’t have to look too far ahead. For me, it’s all about taking the opportunities that await, and hopefully I can get onto the golf course a bit more. I have a good friend, Emile, who has been on my case for a round since I returned. So, I would really like to play more often. EXCLUSIVE | Cheslin Kolbe on returning to Cape Town and the Stormers: ‘My son almost didn’t recognise me’July 2026,IOL by Leighton Koopman Cape Town is obviously a special place for me because I was born here. I started my rugby career here, To get an opportunity to play for the Springboks against New Zealand in Cape Town, it’s massive. Every Test match is massive, but just the drive to training and to the game tonight, to see the people out and cheering the boys, it’s really special. We should never take that for granted, what this team can do to a country and to the people As I always say, if we lose, it’s a ‘Blou Maandag’ (Blue Monday). We felt that, but we just wanted to rectify that tonight. Kicking-wise, I’ve been doing it, and I’ve been training since I started my professional career. I just keep ticking away on it, Cheslin Kolbe urges Springboks to stay grounded after Cape Town victory, September 2026,IOL. byMike Greenaway External links Category:Rugby union players from South Africa Category:Living people Category:1994 births