Cheslin Kolbe

🏉 Introduction to Cheslin Kolbe: South Africa’s Rugby Sensation

📌 Personal Information

• Full Name: Cheslin Kolbe

• Date of Birth: October 28, 1993

• Age: 31 (as of April 2025)

• Place of Birth: Kraaifontein, Western Cape, South Africa

• Height: 1.71 meters

• Weight: 77 kilograms

• Playing Positions: Wing, Fullback, Fly-half, Scrum-half

• Current Club: Tokyo Sungoliath (Japan)

• National Team: South Africa (Springboks)

🏠 Early Life and Background

Cheslin Kolbe was born and raised in Kraaifontein, a challenging and violence-stricken area near Cape Town. Growing up in a community where gang violence and shootings were tragically common, Kolbe’s path to success was far from easy. Thanks to the strong support of his family and his growing passion for sports, he steered away from crime and dedicated himself to rugby, honing his skills during his school years at Hoërskool Brackenfell.

🏉 Club Career Journey

• Western Province & Stormers (2012–2017): Kolbe launched his professional career with Western Province and the Stormers, winning the prestigious Currie Cup in 2014.

• Toulouse (2017–2021): Moving to France, Kolbe became a key figure at Toulouse, helping the club secure both the Top 14 title and the European Rugby Champions Cup.

• Toulon (2021–2023): He later joined Toulon, where he continued to shine and lifted the European Challenge Cup during the 2022–23 season.

• Tokyo Sungoliath (2023–present): In 2023, Kolbe signed with Tokyo Sungoliath in Japan’s Rugby League One, continuing to display his world-class talents.

🌍 International Career

• South Africa National Team (Springboks): Making his debut in 2018, Kolbe quickly became one of South Africa’s most electrifying players. He played crucial roles in South Africa's Rugby World Cup victories in both 2019 and 2023, scoring memorable tries and thrilling fans worldwide. So far, he has scored 18 tries in 39 appearances for the Springboks.

• Rugby Sevens: Before rising in 15-a-side rugby, Kolbe was a vital member of South Africa’s Rugby Sevens squad, winning a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

🏆 Major Achievements and Honors

• Club Achievements:

  • Currie Cup Champion with Western Province (2014)

  • Top 14 and European Rugby Champions Cup titles with Toulouse

  • European Challenge Cup title with Toulon (2022–23)

• International Achievements:

  • Rugby World Cup Winner (2019, 2023)

  • Rugby Championship Winner (2019, 2024)

• Individual Honors:

  • World Rugby Player of the Year Nominee (2019)

  • SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year (2024)

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Personal Life

Cheslin Kolbe married Layla Cupido in 2018, and the couple has been blessed with three children. He is a devoted Christian and often speaks openly about the role of faith in his life. Interestingly, Kolbe is also the cousin of Wayde van Niekerk, the world-record holder in the men’s 400 meters.

💡 Social Impact and Charity Work

Having grown up in an environment marred by violence and limited opportunities, Kolbe is deeply committed to giving back. Together with his wife, he is working to establish a foundation aimed at empowering young people through education and sports initiatives in underprivileged communities across South Africa.
👉 Cheslin Kolbe’s story is a true testament to resilience, passion, and excellence. From the tough streets of Kraaifontein to the grand stages of world rugby, he continues to inspire millions with his speed, skill, humility, and unwavering spirit.