Springboks superstar Cheslin Kolbe has revealed the heartbreaking family moment that convinced him it was time to end his nine-year spell playing rugby overseas.
The double World Cup winner returned to South Africa this year, rejoining the Stormers after spells in France and Japan.
But the decision was about far more than rugby.
Kolbe admitted that spending months away from his wife, Layla, and their three children had taken its toll.
One moment in particular made him realise something had to change.
"My son almost didn't recognise me"
Speaking in an interview with IOL in June, Kolbe revealed that he had spent six months away from his children while playing in Japan.
When he finally returned home, his young son's reaction left a lasting impression.
"Last year, I returned after six months of not seeing my children, Kylah, Mila and Cayden, and my boy almost didn't recognise me."
The experience helped convince the Springboks winger that it was time to put his family first.
Kolbe had previously tried to arrange a return to Cape Town, but a move had failed to materialise.
He eventually secured his homecoming in 2026, returning to the club where his professional career began.
Family comes first for Springboks star
Kolbe spent four years with Toulouse before joining Toulon in 2021.
He then moved to Japan with Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath in 2023.
While his career abroad brought enormous success, it also meant missing important moments with his children.
His wife and children were based in Cape Town during much of his time in Japan.
Kolbe also wanted his ageing parents to have the chance to watch him play regularly.
His return to the Stormers has allowed him to be closer to the people who matter most.
For a player who has won two Rugby World Cups and enjoyed success across three countries, being present for his family has become one of his biggest priorities.
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PLAY THE ULTIMATE DRAFT →Five things you probably didn't know about Cheslin Kolbe
1. He gave up athletics because the hurdles were too high
Kolbe might never have become a rugby star if things had worked out differently on the athletics track.
As a youngster, he competed in the 100m, 200m and hurdles.
But there was one problem. He found the hurdles too high.
Speaking to his Japanese club, Suntory Sungoliath, Kolbe joked that this helped convince him to switch his attention to rugby.
2. He once ran 100m in 10.6 seconds
Kolbe's electric pace is no accident.
The Springboks winger revealed that his personal best over 100 metres was an impressive 10.6 seconds.
That is seriously quick for someone who eventually made his living running around international defenders.
3. He was told he was too small to make it
Standing around 5ft 7in, Kolbe spent much of his early career proving people wrong.
At 15, he was told he was too small. Even as he progressed, there were suggestions he should switch to scrum-half.
Instead, he became one of the most feared wingers in world rugby.
4. He grew up playing rugby against adults
Kolbe credits some of his famous footwork to his childhood in Kraaifontein.
He regularly joined touch rugby games involving older players at his father's rugby club.
He was tackled, stepped and knocked around by bigger opponents.
Those experiences helped him develop the balance and footwork that would eventually trouble the world's best defenders.
5. He is helping children escape the dangers he faced
Kolbe's childhood was not always easy.
He grew up surrounded by gang violence in Kraaifontein and has spoken about losing a close friend to violence.
Having escaped those circumstances through rugby, he and his wife have worked on plans for a foundation to help young people facing similar challenges.
For Kolbe, success has always meant more than trophies and international caps.
