In a wide-ranging pre-Test interview ahead of the Rugby Championship opener against the All Blacks, Cheslin Kolbe reflects on a career that's taken him from Kraaifontein to two World Cup winners' medals. The standout anecdote: a young Kolbe idolised Francois Steyn after watching him at the 2007 World Cup, only to be left with what he suspects were two broken ribs after Steyn 'smoked' him in a Super Rugby match years later. He also nominates Julian Savea as another bruising memory. On his favourite tries, the 2019 World Cup final chip past Farrell edges out his first international score — a breakaway interception against the All Blacks in 2018, complete with somersault finish. His return to the Stormers after stints at Toulouse, Toulon and a Japanese club is driven largely by family — three years apart from his wife and children took its toll — though he's clear-eyed about what those years abroad gave him, including eight months learning French in a grocery shop and a trophy cabinet most players can only dream of.
Kolbe on broken ribs, All Black fans in the family, and why he's finally coming home
Kolbe opens up ahead of the All Blacks Test on the Francois Steyn hit that may have cracked his ribs, his favourite tries, the All Black fans still in his family circle, and why coming home to Cape Town was finally the right call.
Tony Brown to join All Blacks backroom staff in 2028 after Springbok contract ends
NZR have confirmed Tony Brown will join the All Blacks' backroom staff in 2028 on a two-year contract, with the Springboks attack coach set to depart after the 2027 Rugby World Cup. It is the third time NZR have pursued Brown, having previously been rejected during the Foster and Robertson eras.
50 caps, 21 tries — but Kolbe's Bok impact still feels underrepresented
Kolbe's 50th cap this weekend prompts reflection on a career that has punched well above its cap count — the piece revisits his most decisive Bok moments and asks why a player this influential hasn't played twice as many Tests.
Erasmus welcomes Brown clarity, vows not to repeat 2023 contract mistake
Rassie Erasmus has welcomed the early confirmation of Tony Brown's post-2027 move to the All Blacks, saying SA Rugby is determined not to repeat the mistake of leaving coaching futures unresolved in a World Cup year — a situation that played out with Jacques Nienaber and Felix Jones before the 2023 tournament.
Dobson: Kolbe returning to win trophies, not to wind down
John Dobson says Cheslin Kolbe has made a major financial sacrifice to return to the Stormers, motivated by winning trophies rather than winding down his career, while warning the franchise is close to its limit on high-profile signings.
Mo'unga ruled out of Rugby Championship clashes with Springboks
NZR has confirmed Richie Mo'unga will not be available for the July series or Rugby Championship matches against the Springboks in South Africa, with no exemption sought under the overseas player policy. A late-season return remains a slim possibility if injuries force the issue after he resumes playing in New Zealand.