Cheslin Kolbe will remain in Japan for the foreseeable future, continuing his successful stint with Suntory Sungoliath. The 32-year-old winger signed with the team in 2023, and his contract runs through the end of the 2026/27 Japan Rugby League One season.
This season, Kolbe has been in exceptional form, scoring 141 points, including eight tries. He currently ranks third in the individual scoring charts and leads the league in metres gained with 1,097m and line breaks with 20. His performance has earned him several Player of the Match awards, marking this as one of his best seasons yet.
Kolbe, a two-time Rugby World Cup winner, previously left the Stormers in 2017 to join French club Toulouse, where he achieved significant success, including two Top 14 titles and an Investec Champions Cup trophy. His transition to Japan has been smooth, as noted by Michael Yormark, who stated, “He has settled in very nicely in Japan, is a well-liked teammate, respected by the organisation, and has integrated into the community.”
Looking ahead, Kolbe has expressed a desire to return to Cape Town after the World Cup. John Dobson, the Stormers’ director of rugby, has shown interest in bringing Kolbe back, stating, “Cheslin is someone we will definitely talk to. He is one of us. We believe he can fill a leadership role and play until 2029.” This indicates a potential future move for Kolbe, but details remain unconfirmed.
As Kolbe continues to excel in Japan, the rugby community will be watching closely to see how his career unfolds in the coming years. With his current contract and impressive performance, he remains a key player in the league and a significant figure in the sport.
