SPRINGBOK wing Cheslin Kolbe has been appointed as the latest Laureus Sport for Good Foundation ambassador.
The formidable Springbok 2019 World Cup winner, is a long list of sporting icons to join the Laureus family, including cousin Wayde van Niekerk as well as SA rugby legends Jean De Villiers, Schalk Burger and Bryan Habana.
Born in Scottsville in Kraaifontein, Kolbe’s rise in rugby has been tremendous.
He played for Hoërskool Brackenfell and represented Western Province at various youth levels, from the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week in 2009 to the 2012 Under-21 Provincial Championship.
In his first year out of school, he represented the South African Sevens team and in 2016 he was part of the 12-man Blitzbokke squad that went on to win the bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
“It's a privilege and honour to be welcomed as an ambassador for Laureus. The work that the Laureus foundation has been doing across the world is amazing and I am thrilled to be associated with such an important organisation. I cannot wait to assist where I can and create opportunities for kids who are in desperate need of guidance and assistance and looking to create a better future for themselves,” said Kolbe of the accolade.
Chairperson of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation SA, Morné du Plessis, said: “Kolbe is a remarkable rugby player and an inspiration to so many young kids in communities across South Africa. Coming from humble beginnings, he is testament that sport has the ability to change the course of one's life. We are extremely excited to welcome him to the Laureus Family and are very eager to see him flourish and inspire kids across SA.”
Kolbe was called up to the Springbok squad in 2018 ahead of their Rugby Championship matches against Australia and New Zealand.
He made his test debut in September 2018 off the bench against Australia in Brisbane before scoring his first test try in the Springboks historic win over the All Blacks in Wellington a week later.
He was an integral part of the Springbok squad that won the 2019 Rugby Championship and became the second South African to score a try in a Rugby World Cup final when South Africa beat England 32-12 to win the World Cup for a third time.