It’s not so much the personal contract for Cheslin – believed to be around £1m per season – what’s incredible about this deal is the amount of money Toulon are prepared to pay to buy him out of the remaining two years of his Toulouse contract – reportedly around £1.5m.
Kolbe, 27, is now level with world rugby’s top earners – Bristol Bears wing Charles Piutau and South Africa fly-half Handre Pollard at Montpellier, with Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth (Toulon) just behind on £900k a year followed by Saracens pair Maro Itoje (£850k) and Owen Farrell (£750k).
In a business sense, where is the return on Toulon’s initial outlay given the way they play compared to Toulouse? Toulouse are the best team in France and Europe – arguably the best club side in the world – and play incredible rugby. Unless Toulon are planning on building a side exactly the same as Toulouse they will not get the best out of someone like Cheslin.
South Africa don’t get the best out of him because of their strategy and the way they play.
However Toulouse were getting everything they possibly could out of him – and the other way round. Toulouse loved having Cheslin as a player and they saw his potential four years ago when he arrived from the Stormers yet to break into the South Africa side, having starred for their U20s and Sevens teams.
His partnership with Toulouse has been harmonious – Cheslin has been integral to them, and them to him.
Continue reading your story on the app
Continue reading your story in the magazine
Fitzpatrick Raises Key Question For Regions
Any Lancashire member vexed at seeing so little of their champion bowler on the domestic front will have some sympathy with those who subscribe to another superstar of similar vintage.
The prince has his eyes on the prize as usual
Brendan Gallagher delves into some of rugby’s most enduring images, their story and why they are still so impactful
Time for Exeter to ditch the warpaint
To misquote Aristotle, ‘human nature abhors a vaccuum’, and with no rugby at present, the hottest topic around seems to be the headdresses that some Exeter Chiefs supporters like to sport.
Chick: Falcons aim to start fast and not fade
NEWCASTLE back rower Callum Chick says the Falcons will be flying when their Premiership campaign kicks off against champions Harlequins on September 19.
Winning a breakdown was my greatest joy
THE FORMER BRUMBIES, BATH, LEICESTER AND EXETER FLANKER TURNED DEFENCE COACH
Ladesma and Cheika are under pressure
Having lived in Europe for 14 years, I’m now back in Argentina and have been closely following the start of the 2021 Rugby Championship.
Defibrillators are essential, every club should have one
I want to use my column this week to discuss an issue which is both incredibly important and also very close to my heart and that is the importance of every Welsh rugby club having a defibrillator.
I'm delighted for Kolbe, he deserves all the riches
IT’s absolutely staggering to see the amounts of money involved in Cheslin Kolbe’s transfer from European champions Toulouse to Toulon. It’s mind-blowing, and also brilliant news for rugby that these sums of money are batted around in the sport. I couldn’t be happier for Cheslin or any other player to command that sort of contract.
Titterrell swots up on the new boys
Adam Ellis talks to England U20s coach Andy Titterrell after his first year in the job
Wolfpack sharpen claws for bear pit
JACKSON Wray claims the Wolfpack have sharpened their claws and are “hungrier than ever” to regain their seat as England’s top dogs.
KATE'S FITNESS Secrets
Kate Middleton swears by a grueling daily workout routine to keep herself in top shape - physically and mentally
Ahead of the Game
Sharks fullback Aphelele Fassi on how goal setting, unflinching ambition, and being humble will take you further.
MACRON: EUROPE NEEDS TO DEFEND ITS SOVEREIGNTY IN SPACE
Europe needs a bolder space policy, French President Emmanuel Macron declared this week, warning that Europe’s sovereignty is at stake if it falls behind rival powers in a key field for technology, science and military competitiveness.
QATAR AIRWAYS GROUNDS 13 AIRBUS A350S AS FUSELAGE DEGRADING
Qatar Airways said Thursday it grounded 13 Airbus A350s over what it described as fuselages “degrading at an accelerated rate” in the long-range aircraft, further escalating a monthslong dispute with the European airplane maker over the issue.
THE ALL BLACKS
UNLOCKING THE SECRETS TO SUCCESS
Bracing For A Beer Run
Japan’s bars are lining up extra brews ahead of rugby’s biggest tournament.
Reflections Of The Untold
Guillaume Seff was born in Toulouse, France, in 1977, and now works between Toulouse and Montreal, Quebec. He has been painting since his childhood.
Rugby chiefs get to grips with laws on tackle height
LEGAL tackle height will be lowered to the waist across English community rugby from next season.
We are the champions! Kate on the ball with cup winners
THE Princess of Wales greets England’s World Cup-winning wheelchair rugby league squad – before admitting young Prince Louis is “mad about” the sport.
THE TIME WAS RIGHT TO BRING IN LIMITS SAYS BLUES COACH ANDY
WORLD Rugby’s new kicking time rules come into effect for the New Year’s Day clash between Leinster and Connacht.