After spending a year back in South Africa, Springboks player Cheslin Kolbe and his family are taking on Japan once again.
The Kolbes shared their bittersweet journey on social media, capturing the emotions of saying goodbye to their home country.
A bittersweet farewell
Layla, Cheslin’s wife, took to Instagram to share heartfelt moments as the family prepared to board their flight.
In one photo, Cheslin, Layla, and their three children are seen lined up, ready to embark on their journey with their luggage.
Another image features the Kolbe family with their extended relatives at the airport, marking a poignant farewell to their loved ones in South Africa.
In her post, Layla reflected on their year in South Africa, stating, “What a year in SA, especially for the kids – beautiful friendships, teachers they adored, a sense of home, and so many memories. Leaving that behind makes the goodbyes so much heavier.
“Missing a family wedding and being away for our ninth festive season are the harder parts of this rugby journey… but I am always grateful for the doors it opens too.”
As they settled into their new life in Japan, Layla shared her experiences of adjusting to the time difference, saying, “Now we’re settling back in, jet lagged, awake at 1.30am and starving because our ‘dinner’ was actually breakfast according to our body clocks. God bless another season in Japan.”
Support from Fans
The Kolbes received an outpouring of support from fans and friends on social media.
Comments included messages of encouragement and well-wishes for their new adventure.
One user, @nicolekirk1, expressed gratitude for the family’s sacrifices, saying, “Thank you, Kolbes, for the sacrifices and support you give to our Springbok! 🏉🏟️ We appreciate all of you and may you be blessed abundantly. Enjoy, take 3 in Japan!”
Another fan, @azza_awaldien, shared their disbelief at the farewell, stating, “All the best, babe! Can’t believe it was the last time I would see you in SA. Keep safe, but most of all enjoy every bit of it ❤️❤️❤️.”
The rugby league in Japan
Cheslin is set to play for the Tokyo Sungoliath in the NTT Japan Rugby League One, which is entering its fifth season.
The 2025–26 Japan Rugby League One, also known for sponsorship reasons as the NTT 2025–26 Japan Rugby League One, will be the 22nd season in top-flight Japanese rugby.
The season is scheduled to begin in December 2025 and conclude in June 2026, featuring play-offs and relegation rounds.
Natural disasters and safety
After the Kolbes moved to Japan, a massive 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck on New Year’s Day, with Ishikawa Prefecture on the main island of Honshu being the hardest hit.
The tremors were also felt in Tokyo, where the Kolbe family resides.
As news of the destruction reached South Africa, many fans expressed concern for the Kolbes’ safety.
Layla reassured her 119,000 Instagram followers that they were safe, despite experiencing technical difficulties with her phone.
“Fresh start, I guess. Then earthquake, plane crash. We are all safe, thank God,” she stated.
Cheslin’s journey continues as he plays for the Tokyo Sungoliath, having transitioned from the French club Toulon to embrace this new opportunity in Japan.
The Kolbe family’s adventure is just beginning, and they are ready to embrace all that lies ahead.
