With Kolbe back at the Stormers after stints at Toulouse, Toulon, and a Japanese club, he sat down ahead of the Rugby Championship opener against the All Blacks to reflect on a career that now stands at 50 caps and 22 tries. The standout anecdote: a pre-match chat from Francois Steyn before a Super Rugby game left Kolbe starstruck — and then left him with what he suspects were two broken ribs. Beyond the Steyn story, Kolbe touches on his favourite try (the 2019 final jink past Farrell), his first international five-pointer against the All Blacks, and the cultural complexity of Cape Town's historically All Blacks-loyal coloured community — a dynamic he's lived from both sides. He's candid about the personal cost of nearly a decade abroad, the early tears in a French supermarket, and what drew him home: family, foundation work in Kraaifontein, and the small moments he'd been missing.
Kolbe opens up on homecoming, heroes, and getting 'smoked' by Francois Steyn
Kolbe reflects on career highlights, the Francois Steyn collision that left him with broken ribs, the cultural pull of Cape Town's All Blacks fanbase, and the personal reasons behind his Stormers homecoming.
Argentina trip will reveal Erasmus's first-choice XV for the All Blacks series
The 15 Boks staying home while a second group travels to Buenos Aires are shaping up as the All Blacks series core. Feinberg-Mngomezulu's availability, Etzebeth's concussion clearance, and Esterhuizen's recovery are the key variables to watch as the selection picture firms up.
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.
Rennie weighing Savea workload ahead of Springbok Tests
Dave Rennie says Ardie Savea may not start New Zealand's provincial warm-up matches in South Africa in August, with the All Blacks managing their captain's workload ahead of four Tests against the Springboks.
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.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu confirms successful surgery after ankle injury
Feinberg-Mngomezulu has undergone successful ankle surgery following the injury suffered against Cardiff, with a lengthy absence ahead that could affect his Springbok availability for the Rugby Championship.