Whilst Cheslin Kolbe bids Japan a fond farewell to return to South Africa, other Springboks remain behind in a country many call their second home.
The Asian country is a popular choice for many international players due to its lucrative salaries, shorter domestic season and high standard of living.
TWO SPRINGBOKS HEAD HOME
In recent weeks, two Springboks have announced their departure from Japan.
They are Faf de Klerk from the Yokohama Canon Eagles and Cheslin Kolbe from the Suntory Sungoliath.
Faf has signed a two-year contract with the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, whilst Cheslin will make a long-awaited return to the Stormers.
Both Faf and Cheslin have shared emotional social media posts about their decision to return to South Africa to be closer to their wives and children.
Faf shared in a statement: “Japan has become a place very close to my heart. I leave with nothing but respect and appreciation for everyone involved”.
Cheslin added in his own: “Over time, I’ve had to weigh up the sacrifices that come with living abroad – especially the time spent away from my loved ones, the moments you can’t get back, and the stage of life our family is in right now. As grateful as we are for this incredible journey, we feel the time is right to return to South Africa after the season and begin the next chapter of our lives”.
Images via Instagram:
@cheslinkolbe
SOUTH AFRICAN PLAYERS WHO PLAY IN THE JAPAN RUGBY LEAGUE ONE
Japan is the second home for many Springbok players who play there at the club level in Rugby League One.
The latest recruit is former Sharks player Grant Williams, who will announce his new deal in the coming months.
Other notable players in the national team include the following:
- Franco Mostert – Honda Heat
- Kurt-Lee Arendse – Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars
- Damian De Allende – Saitama Wild Knights
- Jessie Kriel – Yokohama Canon Eagles
- Kwagga Smith – Shizuoka Blue Revs
- Manie Libbok – Hanazono Kintetsu Liners
- Pieter-Steph du Toit – Toyota Verblitz
- Lood de Jager -Saitama Wild Knights
- Malcolm Marx – Kubota Spears
