In a candid conversation with Steven Kitshoff on the For the Love of Rugby South Africa podcast, Kolbe opens up about life in Scottville, Kraaifontein — where hearing gunshots during street touchies was unremarkable. He's clear-eyed about how close the alternative was: gangsterism and drug-dealing weren't abstract threats but the path of least resistance for kids in that environment. He credits his parents' presence as the decisive factor, and frames his subsequent success not as an escape to forget but as a foundation to build on. The Cheslin Kolbe Foundation is his vehicle for returning that to other communities — with a particular emphasis on fathers being present in their children's lives, something he identifies as a structural gap in many coloured communities. The piece is essentially a profile of where Kolbe's drive comes from, and why the two World Cup medals sit alongside a genuine sense of obligation rather than just pride.
Kolbe on Kraaifontein, gunshots, and the escape rugby gave him
Kolbe speaks candidly about growing up in Kraaifontein, where gangsterism was the easy route and gunshots during street touchies were routine. He credits parental presence as what kept him on track, and frames his foundation work as a deliberate return to communities facing identical pressures — with a specific call for fathers to show up.
Etzebeth chases series win as record 146th cap beckons in Baltimore
Eben Etzebeth is set to earn a record 146th Test cap when the Springboks face the All Blacks in Baltimore on Saturday, with the series on the line — a Springbok win seals Rugby's Greatest Rivalry trophy, while defeat results in a draw.
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.
Erasmus draws the line: World Cup planning won't come at the cost of winning
Erasmus is unambiguous: squad-building and World Cup prep don't override the drive to win. The piece breaks down how he's balancing depth rotation with a clear selection hierarchy, and what this season's fixture list — England, then four All Blacks Tests — demands of a squad that's broadened over two years and is now being refined.
Erasmus holds no grudges over Brown's All Blacks move, eyes replacements
Rassie Erasmus says the Springboks have replacement candidates in mind for Tony Brown after New Zealand Rugby confirmed the attack coach will join the All Blacks setup post-2027 Rugby World Cup, while SA Rugby moves to finalise the rest of the coaching staff's contracts before year's end.
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.