CHESLIN KOLBE lives his life as he plays his rugby at high speed. For a moment, you know what it's like to be Owen Farrell or Joe Marler, the England players who famously locked onto the Springbok wing in the second half of the 2019 World Cup final, only to be left grasping at shadows.
One second you have him, the next you don't. Getting Kolbe to slow down for an interview is no mean feat.
Kolbe takes a breath before providing a breakdown of his schedule. Few players win one World Cup, let alone two. South Africa's triumph at the 2023 tournament has burnished Kolbe's legacy and opened the door to several opportunities.
Many expressed their surprise after he moved to Japan last year. He highlights his commitment to Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath, before pointing out that the less demanding Japanese season gives him more leeway to pursue other business interests and commitments.
A recent Instagram post shows Kolbe posing with a Springbok jersey alongside American rapper Jay-Z – the founder of entertainment company Roc Nation. Kolbe and other stars like Siya Kolisi, Maro Itoje and Ardie Savea are on Roc Nation’s books. While some may baulk at the idea of ‘building a brand’, Kolbe and Co have realised what this type of collaboration can do for their causes.
At the time of our interview, he’s setting up the Cheslin Kolbe Foundation, which aims to provide a range of services to his community on the outskirts of Cape Town. We had planned to chat a day earlier, before he was summoned to the golf course by his new partners at Value Golf. At the ripe old age of 30, Kolbe is developing a passion for the sport and confirms that the partnership with the Japanese company will boost his social outreach initiatives in the coming years.
Bu hikaye Rugby World dergisinin June 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Rugby World dergisinin June 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!
As the domestic season comes to a close, we take a look across the English pyramid to see which community clubs have tasted success
Japan's landmark
The Brave Blossoms are preparing for an historic first home Test against England. Rich Freeman explains why it means so much
WHAT IT'S LIKE TO ...BRING RUGBY TO INDIA'S STREETS
RW finds out why Kolkata kids are picking up the oval ball in Quins shirts
Anthony Brooke
Mixed ability sport might not exist but for this multiple award-winner
SCOTT ROBERTSON
The new All Blacks head coach awaits the arrival of England on tour before embarking on a first Rugby Championship. We tune into his method and mindset...
SYDNEY GREGSON
The England centre hopes Saracens can right past wrongs in the play-offs
STATE OF PLAY
Uncertain futures on the SVNS series, funding issues and the small matter of the Olympics - former captain TOM MITCHELL looks at what's going on with Team GB
MAX POWER
His jump to senior standout has impressed many in Scotland and Glasgow's MAX WILLIAMSON has shown there is a way forward
KWAGGA SMITH
The Springboks have a point to prove against Ireland, says the flanker
Nash smashes on!
A BREAKTHROUGH STAR IN THE SIX NATIONS, MUNSTER WINGER CALVIN NASH HAS DONE IT THE HARD WAY