'I don't understand': Cheslin Kolbe posts message about Toulon exit

Cheslin Kolbe has published an Instagram post explaining that he had hoped for a better ending to his prematurely concluded stint at Toulon. It was Monday when the French club announced they were cutting ties with the 2019 Rugby World Cup winner, even though he was contracted to play for them for the 2023/24 season.

Nine days after helping Toulon to end their recent trophy drought by defeating Glasow in the Challenge Cup final in Dublin, Kolbe had made his final appearance for Toulon in their Top 14 win over Bordeaux on Sunday. That left them finishing seventh on the table, two points behind Bordeaux who took the sixth and final place for the end-of-season play-offs.

Monday’s club statement included a quote from Kolbe that would have liked to have stayed at Toulon but financial constraints at the club and his rotten luck with injuries had seemingly made things difficult.

The South African has now published a message on social media further explaining his thoughts on his departure from the club he joined in 2021 after winning the double with Toulouse.

“An emotional couple of weeks it has been for me and my family,” began Kolbe. “Some people might not understand, neither do I, but as I was told, ‘It’s 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.

“I just want to thank each and everyone whom I have crossed paths with, the supporters, my teammates and all staff for everything. It’s not easy for me to say goodbye, but such is life. France has been our home for six years. Three kids later and it will always be home for us. Hopefully, this is not goodbye but see you soon. Thank you once again, I had hoped for a better ending.”

Monday’s statement from Toulon read: “The Rugby Club Toulonnais and Cheslin Kolbe have decided by mutual agreement to release each other from their commitments at the end of the 2022/2023 season. This allows Cheslin Kolbe to commit to a new project from the 2023-2024 season.

“Kolbe is expected to announce his future destination soon. The Rugby Club Toulonnais would like to thank Cheslin for his involvement in the rouge et noir since his arrival during 2021/2022.

"The entire RCT team wishes Cheslin Kolbe all the best for the future and an excellent Rugby World Cup, which he will prepare with the Springboks at the RCT Campus. Cheslin Kolbe will be honored at the end-of-season Garden Party on Monday and Tuesday at the RCT campus.”

That statement ended with a quote from Kolbe. "I would like to thank the club, my teammates and all the supporters for the opportunity I have been given to play for Toulon during these two seasons and which I have enjoyed very much. I would have liked to stay at Toulon, but the financial constraints of the club and the injuries made things difficult."