Cape Town – Springbok star Cheslin Kolbe and his family are preparing for a new chapter as they return to South Africa after spending the past few years dividing their time between Japan and home.
Kolbe joined Japanese club Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath ahead of the 2023/24 season, with his family splitting their lives between the two countries during his stint abroad.
Reflecting on the move, his wife, Layla Kolbe, revealed that the decision to relocate had come with significant sacrifices. She noted that their family had spent the last nine years living overseas.
“3 years in two countries – living 24 hours apart – solo parenting. Countless memories. This move comes with sacrifice, but some sacrifices are worth making,” she wrote.
“Time is the one thing we can never get back and we’ve chosen to invest it where it matters most.”
Layla admitted that saying goodbye to Japan had been emotional after the family built cherished memories there.
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“Leaving Japan is breaking our hearts a little. We loved this chapter more than words can say.
“But sometimes life calls you home, and we’re choosing to be closer to family and the moments that matter most.”
The Kolbe family returned to Japan in December last year after spending a year in South Africa. At the time, Layla opened up about some of the realities of life as the family of a professional rugby player living abroad.
“Missing a family wedding and being away for our ninth festive season are the harder parts of this rugby journey… but always grateful for the doors it opens too,” she wrote.
She also reflected on the family’s time back in South Africa during 2024.
“What a year in SA, especially for the kids – beautiful friendships, teachers they adored, a sense of home, and so many memories. Leaving that behind makes the goodbyes so much heavier.”
The 32-year-old Springbok winger is reportedly set to return permanently to South Africa, where he is expected to join Cape Town-based rugby franchise Stormers.
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Picture: Instagram/ Layla Kolbe
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
