Cheslin Kolbe

Cheslin Kolbe is a versatile and exciting South African player. He is considered by many to be one of the best rugby union players in the world. Although typically a wing, he can play in a number of other positions, including fullback and fly half. He won back-to-back Rugby World Cups with the Springboks in 2019 and 2023. 

Born in Kraaifontein, South Africa in October 1993, Cheslin Kolbe began his rugby career during his time at Hoërskool Brackenfell. He then went on to join Western Province in the club's youth setup in 2009. Following this, he made his debut for the first team in 2012. He then made his debut for the Stormers in Super Rugby only a year later.

Cheslin Kolbe remained with Western Province until 2017 and was a consistent performer during this period. In 2014, he was also part of the side that won the Currie Cup. In the 2017-18 season, he moved to Top 14 side Toulouse, where he remained until 2021. 

His impressive form at club level with the French side has been instrumental in helping his team to claim honours, including Top 14 titles and a European Rugby Champions Cup victory. At the end of the 2020-21 season, he moved to Toulon for two years. Since 2023, he’s represented Tokyo Sungoliath. 

Cheslin Kolbe's senior international career started in 2018, when he was called-up to the South Africa national team for the 2018 Rugby Championship. Prior to this he had played for the SA national sevens team and the South Africa U20 team. At the 2016 Olympics, he earned a bronze medal.

He then made his official debut against Australia during Round Three of the 2018 Rugby Championship and has since been a regular fixture on the team sheet for the Springboks. 

Kolbe was instrumental in South Africa's win in the 2019 Championship and was then named in their 2019 Rugby World Cup squad. He was also part of the team for their 2023 Rugby World Cup and 2024 Rugby Championship wins. 

He famously went on to score a try in the final of the 2019 Rugby World Cup competition against England, to help South Africa to their fourth Rugby World Cup win. He was also named the 'Best Top 14 Player' in the World Cup as an added bonus. 

Ultimately, whether it's for club or country, Cheslin Kolbe is consistently still one of the world's best performers and with many years of his career still ahead of him, it's likely he will continue to be for some time.