World Cup star Kolbe keen for Olympic berth

Sun, Feb 16, 2020, 9:30 PM
AFP
by AFP
Cheslin Kolbe is keen to play in the Tokyo Olympics. Photo: Getty Images
Cheslin Kolbe is keen to play in the Tokyo Olympics. Photo: Getty Images

Springboks' World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe said on Sunday he was holding discussions with the South African Rugby Union to play at this year's Tokyo Olympics.

Kolbe, 26, who won a bronze medal at Rio 2016, said in November he was eyeing winning gold but had yet to speak to the governing body about featuring in Japan between July 27-August 1.

"I am in talks with them but there has to be decisions made whether I can go or if I have to stay. We still have to wait on that decision," he said after Toulouse's late 30-27 defeat at Racing 92 in the French Top 14 on Sunday.

"Playing in the Olympics, representing your country at one of the biggest stages of the world is a big opportunity. If I can go it will be a blessing. I also don't want to get ahead of myself," he added.

Kolbe said at the end of last year he wanted to add Olympic success to his trophy-laden 2019 where he won the World Cup, The Rugby Championship and the French Top 14 title.

"There are two more things I would still love to achieve and that's probably winning the European Champions Cup and hopefully the Olympics with South Africa," he said.

Despite kicking 10 points on Sunday, while playing out of position at flyhalf, Kolbe's Toulouse were beaten at La Defense Arena in Paris.

 

Share
WATCH LIVE: Buildcorp Australian Schools and Junior Rugby Union Championships - Day 2
Australia U20s coach Chris Whitaker has turned to Sevens star Aden Ekanayake as they look to take down England on Thursday (AEST). Photo: Getty Images
Ekanayake to start for Australia U20s in must-win England match
Stephen Larkham is set to face the Lions without eight of his key Wallabies. Source: Getty
Energy, clarity, planning: Bernie backing Brumbies to challenge Lions despite missing key stars
Les Kiss is ready to get working with the AUNZ Invitational XV squad. Photo: Anthony Wingard/AUNZ Media
Barossa, booming tunes and building frameworks: Kiss lays down identity for AUNZ as Lions preparation begins