Suntory's Cheslin Kolbe to stay in Japan for the ‘foreseeable future’

Suntory Sungoliath star Cheslin Kolbe will stay in Japan for the ‘foreseeable future’ his management agency Roc Nation Sports International has revealed.

Two-time World Cup winner Kolbe, 32, is enjoying his best season so far for the Fuchu outfit with a haul of 141 points including eight tries for the play-off contenders.

The Springboks ace, who has played his club rugby outside of his homeland since 2017, was linked with a summer return to URC title contenders the Stormers.

Roc Nation Sports International President Michael Yormark has quashed those rumours.

“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.

“A couple of years out from the World Cup, you start thinking about what that final chapter might look like. I think every player wants to come home. However, that is something Cheslin, Layla (his wife), and the family will consider at the appropriate time. Right now, his career is in Japan.”

© Suntory Sungoliath

Kolbe is in his third season in Japan and is now expected to hold off on a possible return to the inaugural URC winners until at least after next year’s World Cup in Australia.

Yormark highlighted Kolbe’s form this season with the full-back taking over kicking duties in recent weeks as he’s spearheaded their play-off charge.

“Cheslin is having a great season at Suntory. He is healthy, playing exceptionally well, and has picked up quite a few Player of the Match awards.”

Kolbe, who is third in the individual scoring charts (141) behind only Kubota Spears’ Bernard Foley and Black Rams Tokyo playmaker Ichigo Nakakusu (both on 150), leads the rankings for metres gained (1097m) and line breaks (20).

The former Toulouse and Toulon wing is a front-runner for the League One MVP award alongside Kobe Steelers’ inspirational captain Brodie Retallick and Kubota Spears full-back Shaun Stevenson.

Suntory, who sit fourth with four rounds to go, are all but assured of a play-off berth and will return to action next Saturday against Kubota in Kumamoto.