Cheslin Kolbe, from Toulouse to Toulon, the South African winger thanks Stade Toulousain
It’s official, Toulon announces the recruitment of South African winger from Toulouse Cheslin Kolbe. The latter has just thanked the Toulouse Stadium in a tweet with a letter in English. His contract in Toulon is for 3 years.
Discussions were engaged « for a short time » between Toulouse and Toulon to assess « the feasibility of such an operation », explained this Wednesday to AFP the president of RC Toulon Bernard Lemaître.
It’s now officially done … Kolbe is from Toulon.
« The RCT is very happy to announce the arrival in the harbor of the reigning World, European and French Champion, Cheslin Kolbe », wrote the Var club on his Twitter account, specifying that the South African had signed up for three seasons.
And on this day of departure, to the supporters of Toulouse, he said in French: « Merci, Merci, Merci ». Then in English …
Now is the time for me to say goodbye to one of the greatest chapters in my history. I hope you understand that the decision to settle in Toulon was not an easy one. I would like to express the greatest gratitude to the entire Toulouse community.
Thank you so much @StadeToulousain ❤️🖤 pic.twitter.com/moTyyQOHid
– Cheslin Kolbe (@ Cheslin_Kolbe11) August 27, 2021
Kolbe in Toulouse since early 2017
Arrived in 2017 on the banks of the Garonne, Kolbe was still contractually bound until 2023 at the Toulouse Stadium, with which he won the Top 14 twice (2019 and 2021), as well as the last European Cup.
RC Toulon has therefore paid compensation to immediately enroll the player, currently selected with the South African team for the Rugby Championship, a flagship competition in the southern hemisphere.
Montpellier had in particular had to pay Racing 92 a release clause estimated at 1.5 million euros in 2017 to recruit another South African, Johan Goosen. But, unlike football, the practice is still rare in rugby, where players traditionally honor their entire contract before changing clubs.
One of the best players in the world
The pocket winger (1.71 m, 74 kg), also able to evolve at the back, is considered one of the best players in the world thanks to his speed and fire support.
Sacred world champion in 2019 with the Springboks, he had a mixed second part of the 2020-2021 season under the Toulouse jersey, with a series, unusual for him, of 13 games without scoring a single try.
Author of a masterful drop in the victorious final of the championship against La Rochelle (18-8), he still proclaimed his love for the Pink City in May.
