AUDIO: Kolbe's Olympic lifeline
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Whether at fullback, wing or evens flyhalf having Cheslin Kolbe in your side it’s an absolute dream.
The 26-year-old Springbok Cheslin Kolbe has become a superstar since he joined the Toulouse in 2017, from the Stormers.
His skills, despite his small stature, inspired all around the world and has created a new brand of play.
He recently returned to South Africa and trained with the Stormers – while his Top14 team Toulouse are on a break.
Kolbe’s presence inside the Cape town-based franchise camp had tongues wagging.
However, rumours were quickly shut down by Stormers – via their official Instagram account.
Further dashing any hopes of Kolbe’s return to Cape Town was the contract extension he signed with Toulouse until 2023.
The Top14 side also stands in the way of Kolbe may be playing for the BlitzBoks at the Olympics.
Kolbe made no secret of his ambitions to return to the Sevens circuit and in February revealed that he ‘is in talks with’ SA Rugby.
He added: “There are two more things I would still love to achieve and that’s probably winning the European Champions Cup and hopefully the Olympics with South Africa,”
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BlitzBoks coach Neil Powell certainly has no qualms including the versatile player in his Olympic squad, especially with the event being postponed due to the Coronavirus.
Speaking after the team’s arrival in South Africa from their Vancouver, Powell revealed that there might still be a chance for Kolbe to be involved in the Olympics.
“I think from Cheslin’s side he is always keen to join us and to go to the Olympics with us. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get him released from Toulouse,” Powell said.
“Again, it might be that the Olympics is postponed [due to the coronavirus] or even cancelled so we will have to play it by ear.
“That door is not closed, yet. I think that door is still open.
“But we will definitely look after the guys that played the whole season first before we look outside the system.”
Kolbe last played Sevens in 2016 and claimed bronze at the Rio Olympics with the BlitzBoks.
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