South Africa’s Rugby World Cup winning winger Cheslin Kolbe revealed that he is in discussion with the South African Rugby Union about representing his country in the Rugby Sevens tournament at this year’s Olympics.
Kolbe told AFP that negotiations are ongoing but no decision on the matter had been arrived at yet. The 26-year-old spoke after the French Top14 game against Racing 92 which his club, Toulouse, lost 30-27.
“Playing in the Olympics, representing your country at one of the biggest stages of the world is a big opportunity. If I can go it will be a blessing. I also don’t want to get ahead of myself,” Kolbe said.
“We still have to wait on that decision.”
Kolbe already has a bronze medal with the Blitzboks from the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in which Rugby Sevens made its debut in the global showpiece.
Kolbe, who has won top honours with his club and country, has previously said that winning Olympic gold remains one of his biggest dreams.
“There are two more things I would still love to achieve and that’s probably winning the European Champions Cup and hopefully the Olympics with South Africa.”
Kolbe is a cousin to Olympic 400m champion and world record holder Wayde van Niekerk.
