Respected rugby journalist Mark Keohane has gone on the record in emphatically stating that South African rugby might have lost one of its greatest modern-day stars to France. Cheslin Kolbe, the electrifying wing who has lit up rugby fields across the world, could have donned a blue jersey instead of the iconic green and gold, as per an interesting article on SA Rugby Magazine via TimesLIVE. Nothing truer could have been written, with the stats, facts and events since the pocket rocket left the Western Cape for southern France proving this assessment.
A Talent Overlooked
Despite excelling for Western Province and the Stormers, Kolbe was repeatedly overlooked by Springbok selectors due to outdated perceptions about his size. At just 1.71m and weighing around 80kg, he did not fit the mold of traditional South African wings, who were often powerful, physically imposing runners.
The irony, however, is that Kolbe had already demonstrated that size is no barrier to success. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, he played a pivotal role in South Africa’s sevens campaign, helping the Blitzboks secure a bronze medal. His agility, blistering pace, and defensive tenacity were evident for all to see, but when it came to 15s rugby, he remained on the periphery of national selection.
A Move That Changed Everything
In 2017, Kolbe made a life-changing decision to join Toulouse in the French Top 14. The French giants recognised his talent immediately. Within months, he had become one of the league’s most exciting players.
French media outlets praised him as the best foreign import of the season, and Toulouse head coach Ugo Mola described him as “a player who fills stadiums because of his attacking brilliance.” His performances were so impressive that whispers began to emerge about him potentially qualifying for the French national team through residency rules.
With World Rugby regulations allowing players to switch allegiance after three years of residency, Kolbe would have been eligible to play for France by 2020 had he not been selected for South Africa. Given France’s affinity for overseas talent and their track record of recruiting foreign-born players—such as Bernard Le Roux, Paul Willemse, and Virimi Vakatawa—it is not far-fetched to imagine Kolbe running out for Les Bleus in a World Cup instead of scoring tries for the Boks.
Enter Rassie Erasmus
In 2018, Rassie Erasmus took charge of the Springboks, inheriting a team struggling for identity and consistency. One of his first major decisions was to ignore the conventional wisdom about Kolbe’s size and instead focus on his undeniable talent.
Erasmus selected Kolbe for the 2018 Rugby Championship, handing him his debut against Australia. It was a modest start, but a week later, Kolbe played a crucial role in South Africa’s historic 36-34 victory over the All Blacks in Wellington. That match was a turning point, not just for the Springboks, but for Kolbe himself. He had proven that he could thrive on the international stage, and from that moment on, he became an indispensable part of the Bok setup.
A Trophy-Laden Career
Kolbe’s list of achievements since then is staggering.
- 2019 Rugby Championship: Kolbe’s star continues to rise as a member of the Bok team that won the the tournament for the first time since its inception in 2012
- 2019 Rugby World Cup: Kolbe was instrumental in the Springboks’ World Cup triumph in Japan, scoring a memorable try in the final against England. His dazzling footwork left England’s Owen Farrell clutching at thin air as he sealed South Africa’s third world title.
- Top 14 Champion (2019, 2021): Kolbe won multiple French domestic titles with Toulouse, cementing his reputation as one of the best wingers in the world.
- European Champions Cup (2021): He helped Toulouse win the prestigious European club competition, becoming one of the few players to hold both the World Cup and Champions Cup simultaneously.
- 2021 British & Irish Lions Series: Kolbe was a crucial part of the Springboks’ series win against the Lions, scoring a decisive try in the third Test.
- 2023 Rugby World Cup: Kolbe played a significant role in South Africa’s back-to-back World Cup victories, becoming one of the few players to win two World Cups.
- 2024 Rugby Championship: He was a key player in the Springboks winning the Rugby Championship for the first time since 2019
- SA Rugby Player of the Year (2024): His stellar performances were recognised yet again when he was named South Africa’s Player of the Year.
Beyond the Try Line
Kolbe’s impact extends far beyond his try-scoring prowess. His defensive work is often overlooked, but his fearless tackling and ability to win crucial turnovers have made him an all-around threat. In the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against France, his defensive efforts—including a critical charge-down on a Thomas Ramos conversion attempt—were as vital as any try he has scored.
Off the field, Kolbe remains a humble and driven individual. He often speaks about the importance of inspiring the next generation, particularly smaller players who are told they are “too small” for professional rugby. He is living proof that skill, heart, and determination can triumph over outdated stereotypes.
The Road to 2027
At 31 years old, Kolbe still has plenty left in the tank. With the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia on the horizon, he remains a key part of the Springboks’ ambitions for a historic third successive title.
Few players in history have enjoyed the kind of career Kolbe has, and even fewer have done so with such a thrilling style of play. The fact that he is still going strong is a testament to his incredible work ethic and love for the game.
In the end, South African rugby fans can thank the good doctor for ensuring that Kolbe’s talents were not lost to France. Instead of watching him dazzle for Les Bleus, they get to see him continue his legacy in the green and gold.
The Most Golden Era of Bok Rugby
Keohane sums it up best, “Fortunately, Erasmus, on his appointment as Bok coach in 2018, shared the enthusiasm of Mola, the French media, and the likes of me, back in South Africa, when it came to Kolbe. The rest is history – and the most golden periods of Bok history.”
Kolbe’s journey from overlooked prospect to global superstar is a story for the ages. And as long as he’s still stepping defenders and scoring tries, his tale is far from over.
