LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 22: Cheslin Kolbe of Toulouse is tackled by Geoffrey Doumayrou during the Heineken Champions Cup Final match between La Rochelle and Toulouse at Twickenham Stadium on May 22, 2021 in London, England. A limited number of fans will be allowed into the stadium as Coronavirus restrictions begin to ease in the UK following the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Cheslin Kolbe in talks with Toulon over sensational Top 14 switch
Is Cheslin Kolbe about to join Springbok teammate Eben Etzebeth at Toulon? It will cost them of the RWC winner is to make the switch.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 22: Cheslin Kolbe of Toulouse is tackled by Geoffrey Doumayrou during the Heineken Champions Cup Final match between La Rochelle and Toulouse at Twickenham Stadium on May 22, 2021 in London, England. A limited number of fans will be allowed into the stadium as Coronavirus restrictions begin to ease in the UK following the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Toulon president Bernard Lemaitre has revealed that his club are in talks with Toulouse about signing Springbok Rugby World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe.
The 27-year-old winger Kolbe has two years left of his deal with the record five-time European champions, and according to reports coming out of France, he is believed to be keen on making the switch to the Mediterranean coast this season.
Cheslin Kolbe to join Eben Etzebeth at Toulon
It has been reported that Toulon would have to pay a fee to Toulouse to release Kolbe, who is currently in action in the Rugby Championship with the Springboks.
Toulon is home to Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth who has spoken glowingly of the club culture and lifestyle in the coastal city.
“The two clubs are holding discussions about the feasibility of such a deal,” Lemaitre told AFP.
“It’s nothing further than that at this point.
“It’s an opportunity that has presented itself which could have advantages and disadvantages for both clubs. That’s why we’re evaluating all that,” he added.
AFP
Toulouse said they didn’t wish to comment “at this stage” when approached regarding the rumours
Been there, done that
Kolbe won the French Top 14 and the Champions Cup in his fourth season with the club last year, despite being the subject of some criticism throughout the season.
The slippery winger claimed nine tries in 23 games but had a 13-match streak without scoring during the last term.
The Springboks’ next fixture in the Rugby Championship is against Australia’s Wallabies in Queensland on September 12. The state is set to host the remainder of the Rugby Championship in a compromise reached to save the tournament.
The Top 14 season begins on September 4, but Kolbe is unlikely to feature until the end of his Test commitments in October. European clubs are set to lose their internationals due to a series of additional internationals added to the calendar in October.
