Cheslin Kolbe says it would be “amazing” if the Springboks were able to test themselves against some of the best countries in the world by joining the Six Nations.
With South Africa’s move to the Vodacom United Rugby Championship producing great results on and off the field, speculation has persisted that the Springboks will eventually leave the Rugby Championship for Europe.
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In a wide-ranging interview with The Telegraph Rugby Podcast, Toulon-based Kolbe gave the idea his backing.
“I think if it does happen, it would be massive and change the whole scenario regarding the Six Nations,” Kolbe said.
“For the Springboks, it would be amazing to be part of the Six Nations. You get to play against top countries each and every week when you’re part of that competition. It would be amazing if it comes off one day but who knows.”
Kolbe is the second Springbok to publicly endorse a move north, after Eben Etzebeth said it would help South Africa’s players with their conditioning through a packed calendar.
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The 29-year-old also spoke about his decision to leave the Stormers for France, which he said was partially due to wanting to escape the negative headlines that surrounded his size at the time.
“My main reason at the time for leaving South Africa, obviously I had started a family, was all the bad publicity I had got due to my stature and my size, people wanting me to change positions,” Kolbe told The Telegraph Rugby Podcast.
“All of that was disappointing, because I thought at the time I was playing quite well where I was based, at wing or fullback, and contributed to Western Province and the Stormers. It was quite disappointing but also a challenge that I accepted and made peace with. I’m always going to be getting negativity regarding my stature.
“I was all about proving people wrong at the time, that it doesn’t matter how big or small you are because this game is made for each and every person, no matter how big you are. That was a challenge I faced each and every week, with media, with coaches, with people not having the trust in me and what I can do.”
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