Cheslin Kolbe

Cheslin Kolbe is a versatile and exciting South African player who is considered by many to be one of the world’s best. Although typically a wing, he can play in a number of other positions including fullback and fly half. He also currently plays at both club and country level and has a wealth of honours and accolades to his name.

Born in Kraaifontein, South Africa in October 1993, Cheslin Kolbe began his rugby career during his education with Hoërskool Brackenfell. He then went on to join Western Province in the club’s youth setup in 2009, but it wasn’t long before he made his provincial first class debut in 2013. In his time with W.P., he also played with the Stormers in the Super Rugby competition.

Cheslin Kolbe remained with W.P. until 2017 and was a consistent performer during this period racking up over 100 points. In 2014 he was also part of the side which won the Currie Cup. In the 2017-18 season he moved to Top 14 side Toulouse where he remains to this date – and has so far scored over 150 points. His impressive form at club level with the French side has been instrumental in helping his team to claim honours including being crowned French Champions in 2019, and most recently, the 2021 Heineken Cup.

Cheslin Kolbe’s senior international career started in 2018 where he was called-up to the South Africa national team for the 2018 Rugby Championship. Prior to this he had played for the SA national Sevens between 2012 and 2017 and represented South Africa at U20 level and in the 2016 Olympics where he earned a bronze medal.

He then made his official debut against Australia during Round Three of the 2018 Rugby Championship and has since been a regular fixture on the team sheet for the Springboks. Kolbe was instrumental in South Africa’s win in the 2019 Championship and was then named in their 2019 Rugby World Cup squad.

He famously went on to score a try in the final of the competition against England, to help South Africa to their third World Cup win. He was also named the ‘best Top 14 player’ in the World Cup as an added bonus. Ultimately, whether it’s for club or country, Cheslin Kolbe is consistently still one of the world’s best performers and with many years of his career still ahead of him, it’s likely he will continue to be for some time.