Cheslin Kolbe is a South African rugby player who currently plays for Suntory Sungoliath in Japan and the Springboks.
Coming through as one of the fastest young players, Cheslin went on to have a massive career. He is currently a double Rugby World Cup winner with the Springboks. He has also played for some of the biggest and best rugby clubs, including Stade Toulousain and his current club, Suntory Sungoliath.
With such travels across continents, Cheslin Kolbe and his family have lived in different cultures. Their ability to adapt has enabled them to live a distinct and enjoyable lifestyle. His wife, kids, and family members have all found a way to adjust, and they love sharing their journey with fans.
PROFILE SUMMARY
Full name: Cheslin Kolbe
Date of birth: 28 October 1993
Age: 32 years
Place of birth: Kraaifontein, South Africa
Wife: Layla Kolbe
Children: 3
Height: 1.71 m
Weight: 75 kg
Position(s): Wing, fullback, fly-half
CHESLIN KOLBE’S JOURNEY TO PROFESSIONAL RUGBY
Born in Kraaifontein, South Africa, Cheslin Kolbe grew up as a very athletic boy. His speed sets him apart from many of his peers, whether in athletics, soccer, or rugby.
After enrolling at Hoërskool Brackenfell, Cheslin realised his rugby talent and joined the school. He immediately impressed in school, becoming one of their best players.
After impressing Brackenfell, he joined the Western Province in 2009 and played for the juniors. Thanks to his speed, hard work and stepping quality, Cheslin signed his professional contract and played his debut in 2012.
CAREER
In 2012, Cheslin impressed with the Western Province and played consistently for them until 2017. All this time, he had been signed with the Stormers in 2013, where he showed his top talent to the world.
In 2014, he helped the Western Province to lift the Currie Cup, beating the Lions in the final.
He played for both the Western Province and the Stormers until 2017, when he left the country. In 2017, he signed for Toulouse in France, where he produced a series of top performances.
In 2019, he played an essential role in the Top 14 final and helped Toulouse to win the French Championship. He went on to win the European Cup and the Top 14 in 2021. After such success, it was Kolbe’s time to move on and find a new challenge, and he signed for Toulon.
With Toulon, he helped them win the European Challenge Cup during the 2021-2022 season. After winning the trophies mentioned above in France, Cheslin had to continue his journey. This time, outside Europe in Asia, he joined Japan’s side, Suntory Sungoliath.
As of January 2026, Cheslin Kolbe is with the Japanese side, pushing hard to win some trophies.
SPRINGBOKS
In 2018, Cheslin Kolbe made his Springboks debut, immediately impressing and finding a place in the 2019 World Cup squad. He went on to help the Springboks to win the 2019 Rugby World Cup after a year with the national side under Siya Kolisi’s captaincy.
Since then, he had been a key player in the side, being one of the first names on the team sheet. In 2023, he produced top and historic performances in France during the Rugby World Cup.
Despite being a Rugby World Cup winner, Cheslin went on to help the Springboks win more trophies. He lifted the Rugby Championship four times, the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa and the 2023 Qatar Airways Cup vs New Zealand at Twickenham.
With frequent movement between clubs and across continents, Cheslin Kolbe leads a different lifestyle from many.
CHESLIN KOLBE AWAY FROM RUGBY (FAMILY, LIFESTYLE)
Away from rugby, Cheslin Kolbe is praised chiefly for how good he plays his role as a father. He also seemed to be a wonderful husband and family man. When he gets some time off, he sometimes shows off some of his luxurious assets, like cars and a house.
Surely, Cheslin Kolbe leads a wealthy lifestyle that few can afford, especially in South Africa.
FAMILY
Thanks to caring parents, Andrew and Millicent Kolbe, Cheslin survived gang violence growing up. The two made sure to take good care of him. Showing his appreciation, Cheslin had to take his parents to France to watch him play the final.
“We as parents will always support him. It will be the first time I will see him in action at a World Cup… what a privilege. Cheslin said it might be his last World Cup, and for me to attend it with my wife is a massive privilege, and it’s something that I will always remember,” his father, Andrew, said ahead of the final.
However, the Kolbe family and extended family also helped. This is evident in Cheslin Kolbe’s top sprinter, Wayde van Niekerk.
Just like Cheslin, Niekerk also went on to represent South Africa and won a lot for the country. All this shows how much background the two stars have.
MEET CHESLIN KOBE’S WIFE AND CHILDREN
Coming from a strong family, Cheslin has formed a wonderful family of his own. In 2018, Cheslin married his wife, Layla, and since then, they have been among the most famous rugby couples.
The two love each other and have three children as of January 2026: Kylah, Mila Sky, and Cayden. After moving around with their parents, from France to Japan, the Kolbe family have finally settled in South Africa. In January, Layla had to pay in South Africa as the children got ready for school.
Despite being based in South Africa, they visit their father in Japan, experiencing different cultures. Sometimes they struggled to adjust because of time zones and weather.
LIFESTYLE AND CARS
The Kolbe is one of the most followed and loved rugby families worldwide, thanks to their lifestyle. When it comes to showing you what they do, both Cheslin and Layla are open to sharing.
Firstly, they are a Christian family, and they pray and respect essential days together. To show their adaptability, the family enjoyed the new culture and lifestyle when they celebrated the festive season in Japan.
When together, Cheslin and Layla usually take their kids out to the beach or swimming pools. They also enjoy going to fancy restaurants and are open to new food.
When it comes to his garage, Cheslin Kolbe owns a series of Mercedes-Benz versions. He owns everything from SUVs to some small, yet fancy and expensive, sedans.
Recently, he showed off his new Land Rover, which he uses when in Japan. After sharing the car video, Cheslin could not imagine how beautiful and big it is.
“Small guy, Big dreams, thank you to LandRover Japan for looking after me 🙏”, Cheslin said.
Apart from cars, Cheslin has also shown his mansion in South Africa. From the inside, the house is as beautiful as some fans called it ‘heaven on earth’. From the outside, it looks more normal, suggesting that Cheslin is not someone who shows off.
GYM, HEIGHT AND WEIGHT
One thing evident in Cheslin Kolbe’s social handles and how he carries himself is his health consciousness. At home, he sometimes cooks for the family, making sure he sticks to his specific diet.
He also loves the gym so much and takes good care of his body. He prefers to work on his cardio and sprinting, making him one of the fastest players.
Standing tall at 1.71 m and weighing 75 kg, the talented rugby star has a body fit for his speed.