Springboks sparkplug Cheslin Kolbe has become the world’s most expensive rugby player after switching from Toulon to Toulouse for a record $2.8 million transfer fee.
At just 1.7m and 80kg, the 27-year-old winger is an anomaly in a sport of giants.
But his pay packet is massive – a reported $1.6m per year to play for the powerhouse French club.
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As well as his heroics in Europe, Kolbe’s electric footwork was crucial in South Africa winning the 2019 Rugby World Cup and beating the British and Irish Lions 2-1 this month.
“This is a new chapter in my career that I am approaching with great passion and commitment,” Kolbe said in a Toulouse statement.
“I look forward to contributing to helping my new team mates win trophies, building on the incredible history and tradition of this iconic club.”
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https://twitter.com/Cheslin_Kolbe11/status/1431180346733875200?s=20
Kolbe is in Australia preparing for South Africa’s round three Rugby Championship clash with the Wallabies on the Gold Coast on September 12.
The world champions thrashed Argentina twice in the opening two rounds in Port Elizabeth, 32-12 and 29-10.
“We are playing against Australia in back to back matches on their home patch with supporters in the stadiums – which is something we haven’t experienced since the Rugby World Cup final in 2019 – and then we face the task of playing two Tests in a row against New Zealand,” Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber said.
“So, we are under no illusions about the challenge that awaits us.
“That said, we have achieved rewarding results so far this season with the structures and systems we have in place, and the sooner we get back into swing of things, the better prepared we will be when we take the field.”