Cheslin Kolbe Reveals What Happened When Rugby Said He Was Too Small in New Memoir
- Cheslin Kolbe is set to revisit some of the challenges he faced before becoming a Springbok star
- The double World Cup winner has opened up about the doubts surrounding his size and upbringing
- His memoir will trace the journey from Kraaifontein to international rugby
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Cheslin Kolbe is set to give readers a closer look at the challenges he faced growing up and the doubts he encountered before reaching the highest level of rugby. Pan Macmillan South Africa announced on 6 August 2026 that Kolbe’s memoir, Cheslin Kolbe: Sidestepping the Odds, will be released in October.
The 32-year-old recalled being told that he was too small to succeed in rugby while growing up in Kraaifontein.
“I grew up in a world of crime, drugs and violence, and was told I was too small to play rugby,” Kolbe said.
Kolbe said those experiences shaped how he approached both rugby and life, adding that he was determined not to let the difficulties he faced growing up define his future.
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He explained that he used those challenges as motivation to keep pushing forward, despite being repeatedly told he was not big enough to succeed at the highest level.
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From Kraaifontein to the Springboks
The memoir will cover several stages of Kolbe’s career, including his time with Western Province, the Stormers, Toulouse, Toulon and in Japan.
His international career has included two Rugby World Cup victories, and he was named South Africa’s Men’s Rugby Player of the Year in 2024.
David O’Sullivan collaborates with Kolbe
Kolbe worked with journalist and broadcaster David O’Sullivan on the book. O’Sullivan said the project had been “eye-opening and inspiring”, particularly in documenting Kolbe’s progression from Kraaifontein to the international stage.
The memoir is scheduled to reach South African bookstores in October 2026.
Cheslin Kolbe’s family decision behind his Stormers return
Briefly News previously reported that Cheslin Kolbe’s decision to return to the Stormers was influenced by a deeply personal family experience after years of playing overseas.
The Springbok star recalled returning home after six months away and finding that his young son almost did not recognise him. Kolbe said the moment made him realise that spending more time with his children had become increasingly important.
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Source: Briefly News
