Cheslin Kolbe to leave Suntory early to return to the Stormers

Suntory Sungoliath has today announced that Springboks star Cheslin Kolbe will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

Two-time World Cup winner Kolbe, 32, was prominent on Saturday as he scored 17 points in the club’s 40-35 quarter-final win against Black Rams Tokyo to book a semi-final clash against Dave Rennie and Ardie Savea’s Kobe Steelers on Saturday.

The division’s top points scorer is poised to make an early return to his former club the Stormers who have already sealed the signature of South Africa captain Siya Kolisi as part of their ‘Project 2029’ long-term strategic plan.

Kolbe, who has played his club rugby outside of his homeland since 2017, said it was a tough decision but ultimately he had to put his family first.

“After three unforgettable years with Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath, it’s hard to fully express what this chapter has meant to me and my family,” said the ex-Toulouse star.

“We absolutely loved our time in Japan, and the memories, friendships and experiences we’ve gained here will stay with us forever. “This decision has not been an easy one. Family circumstances have made me choose to be there for my family, and that is a sacrifice I cannot ignore. If circumstances had allowed, we would have loved to continue our journey here.

“The Japanese community welcomed my family with such warmth, respect and generosity, and we will always be thankful for the way we were embraced during our time here.The values of “Pride, Respect, Never Give Up” will always stay with me, and I will always be grateful and proud to have represented this club.”

Suntory’s announcement, five days ahead of their semi-final, comes only weeks after Roc Nation Sports International President Michael Yormark said that his South African client would remain in Japan for the 'foreseeable future’.

“He has settled in very nicely in Japan, is a well-liked teammate, respected by the organisation, and has integrated into the community,” he told South African newspaper The Star.

“For the foreseeable future, that (Japan) is where he will be.”

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Kolbe now has two games left in Japan with Saturday’s game against table-topping Kobe to be followed by an appearance in either the third-place play-off on Saturday 6 June or the final a day later at the MUFG Stadium (Tokyo National Stadium).

Stay tuned to RugbyJP.com for on-site coverage of Suntory v Kobe