Stormers coach John Dobson says Cheslin Kolbe has taken a significant pay cut to return to Cape Town.
The Stormers on Monday confirmed the star Springbok wing will return to where it all began after spells with Toulouse and Toulon in France, and Japanese club Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath.
“It’s been about four false starts over the years,” Dobson said about previous attempts to re-sign the 32-year-old. “Cheslin was desperate to come back.
“This is not a big Galactico signing. This is a guy who really wanted to come back to Cape Town and really wanted to play for the Stormers.
“He’s made a commercial sacrifice around that, which is highly appreciated by the team, and shows his commitment to the Stormers and to Cape Town.
“He would earn multiples of what he’s getting here if he stayed in Japan. But he wanted to come home and help us win trophies.
“This is not a retirement move. He wants to play until 2029 and he’s still in his prime.”
ALSO: Cheslin’s emotional goodbye before Cape comeback
Dobson believes Kolbe’s influence will extend beyond his performances on the field.
“Can you imagine what it’s going to mean for a Josh Boulle or a Markus Muller to train with Cheslin Kolbe every day?
“He’s such a good professional and he brings so much to the whole project and to the city.”
MORE: King Kolbe’s return delights Dobbo
Kolbe will join fellow returning Bok stars Siya Kolisi and Wilco Louw in Cape Town next season.
“I don’t think we could have two better sons of Cape Town in Cheslin and Siya,” said Dobson. “But we do want to stay disciplined around Project 2029.
“I’m aware that [2029] is probably beyond Siya, but in terms of what he’s done for this country, I think he’s earned the right – with the sacrifices he’s making – to decide where to end his career.
“Cheslin will play [a part] in Project 2029, and that’s probably our limit,” said Dobson in terms of marquee signings.
DOBBO: Champions Cup ‘massive’ for Stormers
Dobson cited the “fantastic experience” with veterans Brok Harris and Deon Fourie who had “helped the culture of this team so much”.
“We’ve always had less Springboks than the Sharks and the Bulls over the last few years,” he added.
“I think we’re heading into a tricky phase in South African rugby where you don’t want to have too many Springboks because you haven’t got them for too many games.”
Photo: Toru Hanai/Getty Images
The post Dobbo hails Kolbe’s ‘huge sacrifice’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Stormers coach John Dobson says Cheslin Kolbe has taken a significant pay cut to return to Cape Town.
The post Dobbo hails Kolbe’s ‘huge sacrifice’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
