Springbok speedster Cheslin Kolbe will be joining Japanese Rugby League One outfit Suntory Sungoliath after the Rugby World Cup in France later this year.
Kolbe recently left Top 14 side Toulon after two seasons at the club and claimed he would have liked to have stayed for the final year of his contract.
One of his last games for the Frenchmen was a man-of-the-match performance in the Challenge Cup final, where Toulon lifted the trophy.
Since then there has been much speculation around his destination including rumours of Kolbe declining a mega-deal from the Stormers, which the club clarified was not the case.
【SUNGOLIATH NEWS RELEASE】
新加入選手のお知らせ！いつも東京サントリーサンゴリアスへの温かいご声援ありがとうございます。
この度、2023-24シーズンより、チェスリン・コルビ選手がサンゴリアスへ加入することが決定しましたのでお知らせします。https://t.co/A52SNqElji pic.twitter.com/N0MRBueZl6
— サンゴリアス君 (@sungoliath) June 8, 2023
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New chapter
The World Cup winner is looking forward to his new chapter in Japan and is excited that it will be with Suntory Sungoliath.
“I’m so happy to confirm I will be joining Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath in the Japan Rugby League One competition after this year’s World Cup,” said Kolbe.
“This is going to be a new chapter and challenge in my career, and I’d like to thank everyone who made the move possible.
“Suntory is a team with an impressive history, and I am looking forward to making new memories with the team over the seasons ahead.
“To the fans, I hope to put in some performances that you can all enjoy. See you soon!”
Reward for hard work
Meanwhile, Michael Yormark, who is the president of Roc Nation Sports, which is Kolbe’s agency, feels it is a positive move and is reward for his commitment and hard work.
“Cheslin’s decision to join Suntory marks an incredible opportunity for him both personally and professionally,” Yormark said.
“It is a testament to his dedication, talent, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
“We are confident that this move will not only elevate his game but also provide him with new experiences and an expanded global platform.”
With his destination finally confirmed and speculation put to an end, Kolbe can now focus on gearing up for the Springboks’ World Cup defence, beginning with a Rugby Championship clash against the Wallabies on July 8.