Cheslin Kolbe is one of the most electrifying and accomplished rugby players of his generation. Renowned for his exceptional speed, agility, courage and ability to perform under pressure, his journey from being considered “too small” for elite rugby to becoming a double World Cup champion has made him an inspirational figure far beyond the sporting world.
A key member of the Springboks, Cheslin helped South Africa win consecutive Rugby World Cups in 2019 and 2023. In the 2019 final against England, he scored one of the most memorable tries in Springbok history, helping secure South Africa’s third world title. He has also been part of multiple Rugby Championship-winning Springbok teams.
Before establishing himself in the 15-man game, Cheslin represented the Blitzboks, winning a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. His club career has taken him to the highest levels of European and Japanese rugby, including outstanding success with Toulouse, where he won the French Top 14 Championship and later the European Champions Cup.
Individually, Cheslin was named Top 14 Player of the Season in 2019, also collecting awards for Try of the Season and Best Top 14 Player at the Rugby World Cup. He was nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year in 2019 and, following another exceptional international season, was crowned SA Rugby Player of the Year in 2024.
Cheslin’s story is ultimately one of self-belief, resilience and breaking perceived limitations. As a speaker, his journey provides a powerful platform for conversations around high performance, teamwork, overcoming adversity and proving that physical stature or other people’s expectations do not determine your potential.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS & AWARDS
• 2× Rugby World Cup Champion — 2019 & 2023
• SA Rugby Player of the Year — 2024
• World Rugby Player of the Year nominee — 2019
• Olympic Bronze Medallist — Rugby Sevens, Rio 2016
• Rugby Championship winner
• French Top 14 Champion
• European Champions Cup winner
• Top 14 Player of the Season — 2019
• Top 14 Try of the Season — 2019
• Scored a memorable try in the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final
SPEAKING THEMES
• Breaking the Mould — Proving that perceived limitations don’t define potential
• Resilience & Self-Belief — Turning doubt into motivation
• High Performance — Discipline, preparation and performing under pressure
• Teamwork & Trust — Lessons from championship-winning teams
• The Champion Mindset — Maintaining hunger and humility at the highest level
