Springbok Cheslin Kolbe set to swap Toulouse for French Top 14 rivals – reports

Springbok winger Cheslin Kolbe is on the verge of leaving Toulouse for French Top 14 rivals Toulon according to reports in England and France. 

Kolbe, who is currently with the Springbok side is believed to have agreed to sign a three-year deal with Toulon despite still having a contract with Toulon that runs until 2023.

Kolbe set to leave Toulouse

Now, if the latest widespread reports from both English and French publications prove to be accurate, Kolbe is set to enter 2022 as a Toulon player instead, as they seem to have a struct an agreement with Toulouse to buy the elusive star out of the remaining two years of his current contract. 

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Toulouse have been home to Kolbe since 2017, when he joined the side upon his exit from the Stormers and his arrival in France. The Kraaifontein-born Springbok utility back won’t leave the club without equally leaving a legacy at the Rouge et Noir (Red and Black) having played a pivotal part in the clubs rejuvenation under the Ugo Mola. 

He would also be leaving a legacy

Kolbe has won two French Top 14 titles for Toulouse to go with the European Champions Cup that he recently picked in the club’s colours in closing the 2020/21 season. The 28-year-old who will now enter the away leg of the Rugby Championships with the Springboks who will soon leave for Australia might have to bide his time before getting his first opportunity to wear the colours of his reported new club in Toulon.

He would have to wait to make his Toulon debut

The Springboks Rugby Championships campaign is set to conclude on the 2nd of October, but if Kolbe does indeed leave Toulouse, would still be barred from making his Toulon debut due to World Rugby’s rule for a compulsory five week rest period upon internationals. Then by the time that period comes to a close, the November end of year tour will be fast approaching.

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Kolbe would then be likely to leave either Toulon or Toulouse to rejoin the Springboks ahead of the start of their next international assignment on November 6.