Springbok winger Cheslin Kolbe is now set for big money move

According to Rugby Pass, despite the prospect of a significant pay cut, Kolbe is said to be eager to return home, and the Stormers are keen to secure the services of the two-time World Cup winner.

Kolbe, now 31, has not played club rugby in South Africa since 2017, when he left the Stormers for Toulouse.

His subsequent moves took him to Toulon and then to Suntory Sungoliath, where he has been playing since 2023. During his time in Japan, Kolbe has reportedly been one of the highest-paid players globally, earning £930,000 per season.

Cheslin Kolbe's journey to rugby stardom is a testament to resilience and determination. Born on 28 October 1993 in Kraaifontein, a suburb of Cape Town known for its gang violence, Kolbe's early life was marked by adversity. He often found himself caught in dangerous situations, including a harrowing encounter where he was threatened with a knife at just 12 years old.

Despite these challenges, Kolbe's talent on the rugby field shone through. He attended Hoërskool Brackenfell and later joined Western Province's youth setup in 2009. His professional debut came in 2012 with the Stormers in Super Rugby. In 2017, he moved to France to join Toulouse, where he further honed his skills and gained international recognition.

Kolbe's international career with the Springboks began in 2018, and he quickly became a key figure in the team. He played pivotal roles in South Africa's victories in the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups, contributing crucial tries and defensive plays.

Off the field, Kolbe is a devout Christian and a dedicated family man, married to Layla Cupido with whom he has three children. He is also the cousin of Olympic gold medalist Wayde van Niekerk. Kolbe remains deeply connected to his roots, using his platform to inspire and uplift others facing similar hardships. He is in the process of establishing a foundation with his wife to support communities in need.

Kolbe's story is not just one of athletic achievement but also of overcoming adversity and giving back to the community that shaped him.

These six sons of rugby legends had the world at their feet but ultimately fell short of matching their fathers’ towering achievements.

Cameron Redpath, son of former Scotland captain Bryan Redpath, began his career with promise. He represented England at age-group levels before switching to Scotland, earning 14 caps and playing in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

However, his career has been marred by a series of major surgeries, including two ACL reconstructions and multiple shoulder and neck operations. These setbacks have limited his playing time and hindered his ability to reach the heights of his father's illustrious career.

Despite his resilience and determination, Redpath's injuries have prevented him from becoming a mainstay in the Scotland team.

Louis Lynagh, son of Australian World Cup winner Michael Lynagh, has carved out his own path in rugby. He represented England at age-group levels before making his Six Nations debut for Italy, scoring a try against Scotland.

While he has shown promise, Lynagh has not yet achieved the same level of success as his father, who earned 72 caps and was a key figure in Australia's 1991 World Cup victory.

His international career is still in its early stages, and it remains to be seen if he can reach the heights of his father's legacy.

Adam Hastings, son of Scottish rugby legend Gavin Hastings, has had a solid career, earning 27 caps for Scotland.

He has played for clubs like Bath, Glasgow Warriors, and Gloucester. However, his career has been hindered by a series of injuries, including multiple shoulder, ankle, and knee issues, which have limited his appearances and prevented him from consistently performing at the highest level.

While he has shown flashes of brilliance, Hastings has yet to establish himself as a key figure in the Scotland team.

Lucas Brooke, son of All Blacks legend Zinzan Brooke, began his rugby journey with promise, joining the London Irish Academy at age 13 and representing Berkshire at county level. However, his career has been hampered by setbacks, including a year-long hiatus from the sport.

Despite his return to rugby, Brooke has not been able to replicate the success of his father, who earned 58 caps for New Zealand and starred in the 1987 and 1991 World Cup campaigns.

His path has been marked by inconsistency and missed opportunities, preventing him from reaching the heights of his father's legacy.

Dhyreille Lomu, son of the legendary All Black Jonah Lomu, showed early promise in rugby but has since decided to step back from the sport.

Growing up in the shadow of one of rugby’s greatest icons, Dhyreille faced enormous expectations, and while he impressed as a teenager, he has chosen to explore other passions. Alongside his brother Brayley, he has developed a love for tennis, with Brayley dreaming of becoming the world’s best.

Dhyreille reflects on his path with humility and perspective:  In stepping away from rugby, he demonstrates that legacy doesn’t always mean following in the same footsteps—it can also mean finding your own path.

Lewis Tierney, son of former England and British & Irish Lions star Jason Robinson, had a promising start to his career. He played for Wigan Warriors and represented Scotland at the international level, but a series of injuries cut his career short, leading to an early retirement from rugby league.

While he showed potential, Tierney was unable to achieve the same level of success as his father, who was renowned for his speed and skill on the field. His early retirement marked the end of a career that never fully blossomed.