Springbok star released from his lucrative Toulon contract

Springbok wing Cheslin Kolbe has confirmed his departure from Toulon at the end of the season, a year before his contract with the French club was due to end.

The 29-year-old still had a year remaining on his three-year deal but both parties agreed to part ways by mutual consent. The confirmation of Kolbe’s Toulon exit brings to an end months of speculation regarding his playing future.

Kolbe recently helped Toulon win the European Challenge Cup with a man of the match performance in the final against Glasgow Warriors.

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OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON KOLBE EXIT

“The Rugby Club Toulonnais would like to thank Cheslin for his involvement with the Rouge et Noir since his arrival during 2021-2022,” the club said on its website.

“The entire RCT team wishes Cheslin Kolbe the best for the future and an excellent World Cup, which he will prepare with the Springboks at the RCT Campus. 

“Cheslin will be honored during the end-of-season Garden Parties organized this Monday and Tuesday at the RCT Campus.”

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Toulon added that Kolbe would soon reveal his future destination amid reports that he could be set to join Suntory Sungoliath, a Japanese club competing in the Top League competition.

“I would like to thank the club, my teammates and all the supporters for the opportunity given to me to play in Toulon during these two seasons and which I appreciated very much.

“I would have liked to stay in Toulon but the financial constraints of the clubs and the injuries made things difficult.”

Kolbe joined Toulon in a high-profile from rivals Toulouse in 2021 after winning a Champions Cup and Top 14 double.

GRAPHIC DEPICTING THE PLAYER’S EMOTIONS ON THE FIELD