Cheslin Kolbe released by Toulon with future destination unknown
Cheslin Kolbe will leave Toulon at the end of the season despite having a year left on his contract, the club confirmed, with his future destination not yet known.
The Springboks superstar leaves the club after only having joined in 2021 from Toulouse. During his time with Toulon Kolbe helped the side to their first-ever Challenge Cup title during this season where he was man-of-the-match in the final.
Wishing him the bestThe French side thanked Kolbe for his service to the club and wished him the best for the World Cup later this year, which will see the Springboks use Toulon’s facilities to prepare for their title defence.
“The Rugby Club Toulonnais would like to thank Cheslin for his involvement with the Rouge et Noir since his arrival during 2021-2022,” the club statement wrote.
“The entire RCT team wishes Cheslin Kolbe the best for the future and an excellent World Cup, which he will prepare with the Springboks at the RCT Campus.
“Cheslin Kolbe will be honoured during the end-of-season Garden Parties organised this Monday and Tuesday at the RCT Campus.”
“Would have liked to stay”Kolbe admits he would have preferred to stay at the club, but this was not an option due to financial constraints.
“I would like to thank the club, my teammates and all the supporters for the opportunity given to me to play in Toulon during these two seasons and which I appreciated very much,” Kolbe added.
“I would have liked to stay in Toulon, but the financial constraints of the clubs and the injuries made things difficult.”
The hot-stepping superstar is yet to confirm his destination with the Stormers having already ruled themselves out due to Kolbe’s wage demands. Reports suggest that the wing could opt for a move to Japan League One side Suntory Sungoliath.
An emotional couple of weeks it has been for me and my family.
Some people might not understand, neither do I, but as I was told "its a business"
To put my feelings aside.
Despite it all, I have tried my best.
Sometimes our plans don't always align with God's plans for us. pic.twitter.com/uHzVXQ5FTG
— Cheslin Kolbe (@CheslinKolbe) May 29, 2023
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