Touloun president Bernard Lemaitre has claimed that Cheslin Kolbe wants to stay at the club after reports that several Japanese clubs are hunting the Springbok winger’s signature.
Kolbe arrived at Toulon from rivals Toulouse in 2021, but while he has been spectacular when he has played, his time at the club has been marred by several injuries.
The World Cup winner was carted off the field in tears during a Top 14 match at the end of March, before it was revealed that he would only miss a month of action due to a sprained ankle.
French publication Midi Olympique reported last November that a handful of Japan’s League One clubs were eager to sign Kolbe.
While Kolbe’s departure would free up a significant portion of funds in Toulon’s salary cap, club president Lemaitre denied that they were open to letting him leave.
“We are in discussion with Cheslin Kolbe… His departure would free up the payroll yes,” Lemaitre was quoted by RugbyRama.
“We will not sell off Cheslin Kolbe. His first desire is to stay with us, even if there are huge requests from Japan.”
Kolbe recently declared that he is looking to stay in Toulon, when asked about the reports of his potential exit.
“I assure you and the fans can believe me: I will be in Toulon next year,” Kolbe told RugbyRama.
“The latest misinformation about me has been frustrating and it has caused a lot of distractions as well as pressure around me. It is just crazy. I’ll be there and who knows, maybe I’ll stay longer than people say.”
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